Barbara King - Paintings

Morris et al:

Border and Cotswold, Molly and Mummer, Rapper and Clog - all vibrant and colourful spectacles of our rich folk heritage. Whether flailing handkerchiefs or scarves, brandishing sticks, swords or ladles their visual and musical performance is as

varied as the costumes and baldrics which mark out each group as unique.

The exuberance with which they hurl themselves into their dance is uplifting and infectious and it is doubly satisfying to realise that through their tireless enthusiasm and commitment they are preserving and prolonging (and often reviving) old and traditional customs.  

In my paintings I am attempting to capture the spirit and vitality they exude in their dance.  My hope is that when you look at my pictures you can hear, in your mind's ear, the crack of the sticks, the jingle of bells and the rhythmic pulse of the music played on the pipe and tabor, the fiddle and the accordion.

Living in Norfolk as I do I am keen to celebrate the rich core of talent in and around East Anglia and many of my paintings are of local teams such as 'The King's Morris' from King's Lynn; 'Kemp's Men' of Norwich; 'Fiddlesticks' of Marsham; 'Ely and Littleport Riot' and 'Pig Dyke Molly' to name but a few.  

Living in Norfolk as I do I am keen to celebrate the rich core of talent in and around East Anglia and many of my paintings are of local teams such as 'The King's Morris' from

King's Lynn; 'Kemp's Men' of Norwich; 'Fiddlesticks' of Marsham; 'Ely and Littleport Riot' and 'Pig Dyke Mollies' to name but a few.  

Paintings on this page: Molly in the Middle - Gog Magog Molly; Green Feather Boa - Black Pig Morris; Admiring the Hat - Bourne Borderers; The long Draught - Red Leicester Morris; Hamish of Golden Star dances the Lollipop Man; Caught on Camera - Wicket Brood; More Height - The King’s Morris and the Bonnie Green Garters; Ouse Wash Molly dancer performing the Battle of the Somme.

Paintings of the folk dancers page 1 oil on canvas

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