# Creative Failures The Telephone Tree By Bianca | Published 2008-07-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-telephone-tree References: [telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2284475/Telephone-box-tree-art-or-eyesore.html) The "Telephone Tree" is an [environmental art installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flower-market-20) gone bad. When Barry Robinson, 65, found three iconic red telephone booths in a British dump, he decided to take them home and recycle them for an [eco art project](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vert-installation). He fastened all three phone booths, in their entirety, to a three-pronged 20 foot metal girder, creating a bright red, [tree-like structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/structural-botany) complete with patriotic flags. He was heralded for his green initiative... until it became a public eyesore when he plunked it on a field in Hurley, Warwickshire. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Environmental Art Installations:** Using recycled materials to create art installations with an eco-friendly message. - **Public Art Controversies:** The potential backlash and controversy surrounding public art installations, and the importance of proper planning and community engagement. - **Upcycling:** The creative use of discarded materials to create something new and innovative, while promoting sustainability. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Exploring new techniques and materials for creating art installations that have a positive impact on the environment, and that engage community members in the creative process. - **Waste Management:** Developing innovative strategies for repurposing discarded materials in ways that promote sustainability and reduce waste. - **Urban Planning:** Incorporating public art installations into urban planning initiatives to improve community spaces and foster a sense of civic pride. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Distorted Furniture Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/first-kiss-at-last-light.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Recycled Bar Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-installation.md) - [Playable Oak Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funeral-for-a-tree.md) - [Contemporary Conservationist Treehouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sylvascope-treehouse.md) - [Gas Rig Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/striking-art-installation.md) - [Resin Gravity Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-great-tree.md) - [Folk Creature Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibredog.md) - [UK-Based Modern Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/relics-in-the-landscape.md)