Sheffield trees protest artwork sells out within hours

Artwork inspired by the felling of Sheffield trees has sold out within hours of being produced.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Feb 2017, 17:14 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2017, 11:21 BST
Keith's print, which was inspired by the Sheffield trees protestsKeith's print, which was inspired by the Sheffield trees protests
Keith's print, which was inspired by the Sheffield trees protests

Keith Deakin tried to capture the spirit of protesters battling to save trees across the city from the chop in these lino prints.

The 49-year-old father-of-one, who describes himself as an 'engineer by trade but an artist at heart', designed and crafted 50 of the prints in a creative flurry on Saturday.

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Keith produced 50 copies of the print, raising 500 for the campaign to save trees in Nether EdgeKeith produced 50 copies of the print, raising 500 for the campaign to save trees in Nether Edge
Keith produced 50 copies of the print, raising 500 for the campaign to save trees in Nether Edge

He called the response 'ballistic' and said the prints priced £10 a pop had sold out within 24 hours - raising £500 for the Save the Nether Edge Trees campaign.

"The image was inspired by a photo of a little girl after a tree was chopped down on Rustlings Road and by the arrests of peaceful protesters," said Keith, who lives in Highfield.

"It's a symbol of peaceful protest and our dismay at how South Yorkshire Police is trying to suppress that."

Mr Deakin added that he planned to produce more tree-themed prints following the 'crazy' response to his first piece.

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Tree protesters this week attached Valentine's hearts to a tree they are trying to save from the chop (photo by Sally Goldsmith)Tree protesters this week attached Valentine's hearts to a tree they are trying to save from the chop (photo by Sally Goldsmith)
Tree protesters this week attached Valentine's hearts to a tree they are trying to save from the chop (photo by Sally Goldsmith)

The money raised could help fund the legal costs of tree protesters, 11 of whom are now facing charges after being arrested at demonstrations.

Protesters are trying to prevent what they say are healthy trees being chopped down by Sheffield Council's streets contractor Amey.

The council claims the trees must be replaced to ensure pavements are accessible to all, and it has criticised campaigners for delaying the work.

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