Art Events to Celebrate Chiswick's Ginkgo Tree

Abundance London hosting Make and Paint and film themed activities

The gingko tree is in front of the old police station

May 8, 2026

An ancient species of tree with roots stretching back nearly 300 million years will be at the centre of a new community art event in Chiswick later this month. Abundance London is inviting residents of all ages to take part in a creative celebration of the ginkgo tree at Old Market Place (the car park in the centre of Chiswick) on Saturday 16 May.

The ginkgo has become a small local landmark in recent years. Once competing for space with cordyline palms, it was redesigned last year as the centrepiece of a new seating area now cared for by the Chiswick Flower Market team. Known for their longevity and resilience — including the remarkable survival of ginkgo trees in Hiroshima — the species has long been associated with endurance and renewal.

The event will begin at Ginkgo Corner outside the former police station, where artist Tanya Saunders from Make and Paint will guide participants in creating a “golden ginkgo” beneath the tree itself. The session runs from 11am to 1pm and is open to everyone, with organisers especially encouraging children to join in.

In the afternoon, the celebration will move to Chiswick Cinema from 2pm to 4pm, where the focus will shift to the world of film. Participants will help add favourite tree‑themed characters from cinema to the artwork, building a playful connection between the natural world and the stories that have shaped popular culture.

Abundance London says the day is designed to be informal, creative and welcoming, with no artistic experience required. “We need many hands… especially young ones (but older ones also welcome!),” the organisers note, emphasising that the event is intended as a joyful community gathering.

Both sessions are free to attend, and residents are welcome to drop in for either or both parts of the day.

This page is sponsored by West London Queer Project who support community initiatives in Chiswick.