Old Yew Speaks
33 Blessings
A numbered series of eighty, originally commissioned by the National Trust. Each edition comprises a unique, signed yew and brass sculpture, hand-finished by British artist Nik Burns, together with a set of thirty-three printed blessing cards.
Originally Commissioned by
the National Trust
Old Yew Speaks was originally commissioned by the National Trust, Coughton Court, and forms part of The Art of
Living Wisely, created by Helena Tibocha.
Inspired by ancient yew trees and by the cultural, spiritual, and horticultural significance of yew in Britain, the work
sits at the meeting point of British craft, garden culture, contemplation, and art.
As one of Britain’s longest-living trees, the yew offers a perspective shaped by endurance, continuity, and the long
view of life. The blessings and contemplations are drawn from the nature, characteristics, and endurance of the yew
tree itself.
What Each Edition Includes
Each edition of Old Yew Speaks has been carefully created as a complete work, bringing together sculpture, printed blessings, and a corresponding digital sequence.
Signed Sculpture
A unique yew and brass sculpture, hand-finished by British artist Nik Burns.
33 Printed Blessing Cards
A complete set of giclée-printed blessing cards.
Certificate of Authenticity
Included with every numbered edition.
Digital Daily Sequence
Access to the corresponding daily digital sequence delivered by email and text.
“I feel I should have had your 33 yew tree thoughts to guide my career to re-focus my perspective when things went wrong.”
Old Yew Speaks was endorsed by John Sales after Helena Tibocha met him in his garden at Daglingworth, Gloucestershire, on an EBTS garden tour on 4 July 2013.
In May 2019, Helena and sculptor Nik Burns collaborated to create handmade, Welsh kiln-dried solid yew wood stands for the Old Yew set of cards. The stands are available in both sapwood pieces or heartwood pieces, depending on your specific taste.
The Old Yew words have been printed with Giclee, offering the finest finish possible in both A5 and A6 sizes. The cards are available on both smooth or watercolour paper.
Gallery
The sculpture is intended to be lived with, its surface gaining character with time.
View moments from the original commissioning and present-day editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Old Yew Speaks 33 Blessings is a numbered series of eighty, originally commissioned by the National Trust. Each edition includes a signed yew and brass sculpture, 33 printed blessing cards, and access to a daily digital sequence.
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Each edition includes a unique, signed yew and brass sculpture, a set of 33 printed blessing cards, a certificate of authenticity, and access to the corresponding daily digital sequence by email and text.
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Only 80 pieces form this edition. Each piece is part of a numbered series, and future editions are not guaranteed.
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Old Yew Speaks was created by Helena Tibocha and forms part of The Art of Living Wisely. The sculpture is hand-finished by British artist Nik Burns.
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Yes. Visitors may receive the complimentary digital version of Old Yew Speaks 33 Blessings, delivered daily by email and text.