Content warning: Giant Hand of Vyrnwy" is a breathtaking sculpture carved from the remains of the UK’s tallest tree, a Douglas Fir. Artist Simon O’Rourke transformed the tree’s 50-foot stump into a hand reaching skyward, symbolizing the tree’s final connection to the sky
The Douglas Fir known as the “Giant Hand of Vyrnwy” was once the tallest tree in the UK, standing over 50 meters high.
But as it grew older and weaker, it became unsafe. Instead of cutting it down completely, artist Simon O’Rourke turned what was left of the tree into a giant hand sculpture reaching for the sky.
“The Forestry Commission, who are looking after the area, decided that it would be a good idea to have a memorial to the tree and left a 50-foot stem when they felled it,” said O’Rourke. “They invited eight artists to tender for the job, and I got it.”
The sculpture is now part of a place called The Giants of Vyrnwy, which inspired O’Rourke’s idea. “There are a few tall Douglas firs growing in the Giants of Vyrnwy area, and I was going on the giants theme,” he explained.
O’Rourke, who has been carving wood for nine years, used 12 different chainsaws to make the sculpture. He has also carved other things, like a swan, an angel, a kingfisher, a chipmunk, and a giant clock.
In 2011, the tree was found leaning dangerously to one side. It also had two large cracks going up from its roots to about 3.5 meters high. To keep visitors safe, the Forestry Commission decided to cut it down. Before this, a tree expert had climbed it to confirm it was the tallest tree in the UK, ensuring its story would be remembered even after it was turned into art.
I am a world-renowned tree carving specialist in the UK. I create sculptures inspired by nature from statues to furniture. Worldwide bespoke commissions.
