Heyrick's most notable contribution to the anti-slavery movement was her influential pamphlet titled Immediate, not Gradual Abolition. First published in 1824, the pamphlet argued for the immediate and unconditional emancipation of slaves, challenging the prevailing notion of gradual emancipation. Sold widely throughout the UK and USA.
Corinne Lambert (right) with Elizabeth Heyrick played by an actress at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
A new sculpture commemorating abolitionist campaigner Elizabeth Heyrick was unveiled at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery in August 2024. Born in Leicester as Elizabeth Coltman in 1769, Elizabeth Heyrick was a leading voice in abolishing slavery. Heyrick also campaigned for workers’ and prisoners’ rights, electoral reform, and the abolition of capital punishment.
Sculptor Corinne Lambert was commissioned to create the small artwork after members of the public voted for Heyrick to be honoured with a statue in a poll by the family history company 'Find My Past'. The small sculpture of Elizabeth Heyrick, called ‘Abolition’, has been added to the permanent collection at Leicester New Walk Museum. Meanwhile, the Heyrick Society has launched a campaign aiming to raise enough funds to build a much bigger version of the statue.
"I found it a very interesting commission, and I am really pleased to have one of my sculptures added to the permanent collection at the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery." says Corinne.
www.elizabethheyrick.org
www.findmypast.co.uk