A stunning art installation honoring seven influential “game changers” has been unveiled at Whitby Abbey to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the National Lottery. The installation, known as the Heritage Tree, pays tribute to individuals who have made an “extraordinary impact” on heritage and conservation, according to a National Lottery spokesperson.
Among those recognized are Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project, and Arthur Torrington CBE, co-founder of the Windrush Foundation. The installation spans 5,400 square meters (58,125 square feet) and features a powerful image of the honorees’ hands holding the roots of a tree, created using natural pigments and the abbey’s landscape.
A National Lottery spokesperson explained that the “game changers” were nominated by the public and selected by a panel, chosen for their roles in developing and delivering Lottery-funded projects that preserve heritage, advance science, and protect the environment.
Other individuals honored include Teresa Anderson MBE, director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement; Chantelle Lindsay, presenter and advocate for diversity in wildlife through the London Wildlife Trust; Sandy Bremner, convener for the National Parks Authority; Lisa Power MBE, LGBTQIA+ rights campaigner and Pride Cymru volunteer; and Heidi McIlvenny, former project leader for Ulster Wildlife’s Sea Deep initiative.
The unveiling of the artwork was led by actor and broadcaster Sir Tony Robinson, who expressed his admiration for the honorees. “I am deeply honored to support the celebration of these extraordinary people,” he said.
Eilish McGuinness, CEO of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, praised the installation, saying: “The creation of the Heritage Tree at Whitby Abbey honors these seven extraordinary game changers and beautifully symbolizes their deep roots and ever-growing impact, reflecting our shared ambition to strengthen heritage for future generations.”
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