Hockney tree vandalism sparks tourism concerns

The Totem Tree, at Woldgate Woods in East Yorkshire, has been sprayed with red paint in an act that has been described by the region’s tourism agency as vandalism.

The tree has appeared in a number of Hockney’s paintings, including Totem Tree in 2008, and Winter Timber a year later.

The distinctive looking stump also forms part of the fledgeling Hockney Trail, which is bringing fans of the artist to the area to see the scenery and landscapes that inspired him.

A Welcome to Yorkshire spokesman said: “It is such a shame that the totem that David Hockney took inspiration from has been so needlessly vandalised in this way.

“We just hope this act will not deter visitors from coming to such an idyllic part of the county and discovering for themselves the beauty of the wider Yorkshire Wolds.”