Emma Lilwall, a Quaker from Redland Meeting in Bristol, is holding a week-long vigil by the Sugar Maple tree in Sydney Gardens, to mark the 18th century Quaker involvement in the abolitionist sugar boycott. Emma writes:

‘As a fellow Friend and Artist in Residence at the Holburne Museum, I am holding a week-long vigil at the Golden Maple Tree in Sydney Gardens (just next to the Peace Oak). This residency is a gesture of gratitude for the tree’s role as a “more-than-human” collaborator in the 18th-century Quaker sugar boycotts.

I invite you to join me under the canopy for a time of silent respect and quiet creative engagement.

When I will be present:

• Tuesday, April 21 – Friday, April 24: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Saturday, April 25: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Full-Day Vigil)

you do not need to bring anything to attend and you are welcome to stay as long or as little as you wish

There will be simple invitations to sit in silence, share stories, make clay pottery, or draw with maple charcoal. These contributions will form part of an exhibition in the Holburne Gallery’s Quiet Space and a handmade book to be gifted back to our Meeting.

Everyone is welcome to sit with me and the Maple as we honour this history 

In friendship and peace

Emma Lilwall’

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Image: general view of Sydney Gardens © Stephen Richards and licensed for reuse under a cc-by-sa/2.0 Creative Commons Licence at geograph.org.uk.