The Wych Elm Project

In 2003 the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh were forced to fell a two hundred year-old and much loved wych elm tree due to disease. The timber from this tree went to some of Scotland's finest cabinet makers for a series of commissioned pieces. In 2009, the Garden brought the resulting pieces of furniture together for the inaugural exhibition in the John Hope Gateway. Included in the exhibition are pieces by other leading makers and artists who have used the tree in diverse ways, including pottery, paper, jewellery, boxes and toys, as well as a fishing rod and an Aeolian harp.

Video copyright Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh