Have you ever heard of musical sculptures? You can see and hear one in England. The Singing Ringing Tree is a 10-ft (3-m) sculpture, which has a tree shape and is made of pipes, making interesting eerie sounds. The tree can produce harmony, as the pipes are tuned according to their length and have holes in their undersides. The sculpture is set on Pennine hill over the town of Burnley in Lancashire.
The sculpture, designed by Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu, appeared in 2006. It is part of the series of four sculptures called the Panopticons arts and regeneration project, which was initiated by the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network (ELEAN). The sculptures are supposed to symbolize the renaissance of East Lancashire. The Singing Ringing Tree, which won the National Award of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for architectural excellence, has been indeed drawing a lot of visitors to the area.
The name of the sculpture refers to a nostalgic television series called The Singing Ringing Tree, popular in the 1970s. In 2017, a second Singing Ringing Tree sculpture was created in a rural area near Austin, Texas.
Practical info
Where is the Singing Ringing Tree located?
The Singing Ringing Tree is situated above the town of Burnley in Lancashire, England on Pennine hill. Tourists visit the area to witness the sculpture and other nearby locations that are popular. Show more
When was the Singing Ringing Tree created and why?
Architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu designed and constructed the Singing Ringing Tree in 2006 as part of the Panopticons Arts and Regeneration Project introduced by the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network. The project sought to symbolize the re-establishment of the region following the departure of its textile industry. Show more
How does the Singing Ringing Tree produce sound?
Sound is produced by the Singing Ringing Tree with wind alone, as air passes through pipes of varying lengths and widths, creating sounds like a breezy melody. It creates a mystifying sound which can be heard miles away but is best experienced by being present. Listeners can experience the resonating sound that blends in with the natural landscape of surroundings. Show more
What is the purpose of the Panopticons Arts and Regeneration Project?
The East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network initiated the Panopticons Arts and Regeneration Project, a program designed to rejuvenate East Lancashire by showcasing the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage through public art installations. The Singing Ringing Tree is one of the four sculptures created under this program designed to promote tourism, attract visitors and boost the economy. Show more
Is there any other singing ringing tree sculpture in the world?
A second Singing Ringing Tree sculpture was commissioned in 2017 and designed by the Tonkin Liu Architects in Texas's rural area. The sculpture is made of carbon steel and has a height of 16 feet (4.9 meters). It is among art installations called The Edge, a project dedicated to preserving the untouched beauty of an area. Show more
