Down but not out: City of Culture tree stump felled for safety reasons
STRIKING REMINDER: The sculpture was created by artist Julian Barnard to celebrate Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
A sculptured tree stump created during Hull’s year as UK City of Culture has been removed and laid on the ground for safety reasons.
The sculpture, called Whispering Sweet Nothings, was carved by artist Julian Barnard out of a dead tree stump in Pearson Park in 2017.
The original tree had been partially felled about ten years ago and the remaining stump was being monitored because of its natural decay over time.
After its most recent inspection on January 10 it was found to have “significantly deteriorated and was unstable, posing a safety risk”, Hull City Council said, because of its location near to a footpath and road at the Princes Avenue side of the park.
The council, in agreement with Pearson Park Trust, decided on its emergency removal, although it has now been laid on the ground nearby so it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors to the park. It lies just opposite the former home of poet Philip Larkin.
RETURNING TO NATURE: It is hoped the sculpture will become a wildlife haven
“The sculpture will remain in the park where it will be allowed to decay naturally,” the council said. “In its new position, it will provide a valuable habitat for wildlife while still offering visitors the chance to enjoy this much‑loved artwork.”
Councillor Charles Quinn, cabinet portfolio holder for environment, said: “The Hull 2017 tree sculpture has become a much-loved feature of Pearson Park, representing our city’s creativity and culture.
“While safety must always come first we want to ensure that its legacy continues. By laying the sculpture on the ground we’re ensuring it continues to have a lasting legacy as it naturally transforms into a wildlife haven.
“This way, visitors can continue to enjoy the sculpture, remembering the spirit of Hull 2017 and what it meant for our city.”
Dating back to 1860, Pearson Park is Hull’s oldest public park and was created after Zachariah Pearson, then Mayor of Hull, made a gift of twenty-seven acres of land to the city’s people, with the stipulation that it was planted with trees and shrubs.