In front of the colossal Forum building, centred underneath the large ‘Forum’ sign at the entrance, a tree-like statue with a realistic bark pattern and three tapering branches stands atop a cylindrical concrete plinth. In 2008, Wageningen University celebrated its 90th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the Wageningen University Fund gifted this piece to the university. This thirteen-metre high tree is made of cast aluminium. It was designed by Sjoerd Buisman (1948- ), who sought inspiration from nature. The tree was made by applying a moulding compound to a real tree, allowing it to set, and then using it as a mould to cast an aluminium shape. A small bronze model of this statue serves as the trophy for the Dissertation Prize awarded annually by the Wageningen University Fund. The Wageningen Tree is one of the largest sculptures by Sjoerd Buisman.

More info at: WUR Image Collections