Acton Archive

Sculptor Dennis Heath recalls working on the Twilight Tree (December 2008)

The twenty eight foot tree was the last large elm in the London Borough of Ealing and was affected by Dutch Elm disease. It was decided that because the tree was unique something should be done other than simply cut it down and discard it.

I was selected by a committee of local residents and rangers. My proposal was to carve the tree using a wildlife and fantasy theme.

My ideas evolved on a daily basis taking inspiration from the local environment and the ideas and suggestions of people who used the park.

The tree had its canopy cut back . Work started at the top with the owls but I needed something to seat them on and a branch about 4 feet below gave me the opportunity to carve a squirrel and use its tail as a platform.The lines of the tail were the start of the pattern that would link and make the whole tree flow.

I used the next branch to carve the snail and break off from the wildlife theme to incorporate the fantasy figures, the Fairies and Tree Spirits. These were inspired by my young granddaughter. We watch Shrek and other videos together when she comes to stay . Park Ranger, Heather Mathieson, was another source of inspiration.

The large fairy holding the birds had to be an important feature as it was the largest branch. Before I started work I had in mind to carve this into a figure. We also have a fairy riding a Dragonfly and a Butterfly, a Tree Spirit protecting a Deer, a Fire Wolf (I made that one up), Deer tracks and Seeds, Reeds and Grasses and Leaves and a Fritillary which make up some of the decoration along with the flowing lines. Behind the main fairy is another Tree Spirit and at the base is a door. This was to add a touch of mystery.

As most of the images are semi-nocturnal I decided to call it the Twilight Tree. The coloured preservative was necessary because the wood is quite porous. Clear preservatives do not waterproof as well. The colour makes a nice contrast against the trees when they are in foliage. The structure of the tree is being monitored because elm trees usually rot from the roots.

Dennis Heath

Latest News

Sadly the Twilight Tree cannot be saved. It has been cut in half and even fitting a base will only preserve it for a further year or so. Perhaps now is the time to look ahead and come up with some fresh ideas for a replacement.