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Behind the scenes: Greenwood Tree

Behind-the-scenes access in the run up to the grand opening of Shakespeare's New Place in Summer 2016.

A series of rapidly changing images a tree against the wall, examples of the metal "leaves" recording the names of donors, and red pages advertising New Place, its forthcoming opening, and the slogan "His footsteps your journey".

Today we reveal a tree that you may already have heard about, one that the gardeners won’t have to worry about too much… The Greenwood Tree!

The Greenwood Tree is a beautiful sculpture, evocative of the Forest of Arden in ‘As You Like It’. It was created by local blacksmith and artist Adam Barrett, in his Redditch studio JW and AJ Barrett. The trunk and branches, made from galvanised iron, will stretch across one of the walls of the Great Garden.

Unlike most trees though, the Greenwood Tree will gradually gain leaves rather than shed them! 300 individually anodised aluminium leaves, coloured gold, silver and bronze, will adorn its branches. Every leaf will be sponsored by a kind donor, and engraved with their chosen dedication. This tree hasn’t finished growing yet: sponsoring a leaf is a way to leave your own lasting legacy at Shakespeare’s New Place, and you can do so here.


Shakespeare’s New Place opens Summer 2016. Come and walk in Shakespeare's footsteps and meet the man behind the works in a fascinating new exhibition. Discover beautiful gardens and specially-commissioned artworks.

Find out more about Shakespeare's New Place.

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