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Jack in the Green
Banks, H.G., 1888, Music score, Reproduction
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Jack in the Green
Jack in the Green
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Category
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Item no
36470
Title
Jack in the Green
Description
Song sheet illustartion for Jack in the Green, composed by Warwick Williams.
Artist / maker
Banks, H.G.
Date
1888
Size
36.2 x 26.1 cm
Type
Music score
;
Reproduction
Location
Music Library
Jack in the Green was a feature of the May Day Parades and celebrations that were an integral part of English traditional life. Garlands of foliage and flowers were always present and gradually grew more elaborate with different Guilds competing to build the best. This resulted in garlands so huge they encompassed the entire body, being built around a conical structure covered with greenery and flowers with the head poking through.
This typically vibrant illustration by H.G. Banks shows the association of the Green Man with the Sweep Guild with the blackened, sooty face. The illustration expresses the atmosphere of pageantry, satire and rampant celebration that accompanied a May Day Parade. H.G. Banks uses bright colours and an array of colourful characters to create a vibrant cover with a satirical edge.The cover includes a jester, town crier, drummer and a crowd of celebrating figures and spectators winding their way through the streets, all in bold contrasting colours.
In the latter 19th century as Victorian tastes changed and the Chimney Sweepers Act was introduced in 1875 the Jack in the Green tradition began to slowly fade. However in recent years there has been a sudden revival of interest in Jack in the Green celebrations with some parades being held annually now in various parts of England, for instance Hastings, East Sussex.
Exhibitions with this item
Illustrated Song Sheets
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