Mystery tree’s footprints lead down under (From Warrington Guardian)

Mystery tree’s footprints lead down under

11:10am Saturday 16th June 2012 in News

AN abstract piece of public art which appeared on a tree in Woolston has its roots in Australia.

Last month the Warrington Guardian reported on the Tree of Lost Souls which was spotted by reader Graham Porter on Manchester Road.

And it provoked a deluge of responses as people took an interest in the tree decorated with shoes.

Readers including 11-year-old Catherine Lomas offered their opinions on what the artwork could mean and how it came to be.

Now the mysterious creator of the sculpture has come forward to reveal all – but they have kept their identity a secret.

They said they were inspired by the tree which can be found on Princes Highway in Woodburn, New South Wales.

In a letter to the Warrington Guardian the mystery person said: “The Woolston tree is based on this one.

“The youngster got it exactly right in her observation that she thought it was to do with shoes that had ‘no soles’!”

In Australia the tree is covered with a variety of flip-flops, some with faces drawn on to them, along with a sign and a beer bottle balanced in one shoe.

Warrington’s tree features flip-flops and loafers as well as a small child’s shoe.

Our mystery artist added: “They are all shoes found while dog walking in the area apart from a blue flip-flop and one other shoe.

“They all make me smile.”

Another tree is based in Holberg, British Columbia, in Canada, which is on a much grander scale after being started 25 years ago by loggers who nailed their boots to a tree trunk and then many others followed on the tradition.

The anonymous creator finished their letter by telling people to keep an eye on the tree for future growth.