These mayday dancers are part of long tradition of dancing within Hampshire and the UK. These are painted with watercolours pen and ink. The dancers’ bright clothing and movements perfectly capture the energy of spring.

Local folk dancers (South Downs Step Dancing Tradition) tell me that often the Maypole was replaced by a dancer in a circle dance. When a maypole was used it wasn't decorated with flowers until the arrival of Prince Albert in 1840s. He introduced the European tradition of adding flowers to the maypole to the UK where it was merrily adopted.

However… it’s possible the flowers were earlier than Prince Albert; the poet Herrick writing in the 1700s also referenced a flowering maypole in his poems.

There are many streets and hamlets that still use the name Maypole today, keep an eye open for them next time you are in Hampshire.

Each artist's numbered and signed limited edition print is supplied with an artist's numbered and signed 210mm x 150mm certificate of authenticity.
 
This museum quality print is of an edition of 75 created on 308gsm pure cotton rag fine art paper employing UV encapsulated pigment inks and sealed to provide a fully archival long lasting and vibrant image.

The paper size is 600mm x 490 mm

Each print is wrapped in acid free paper and posted in a cardboard tube with proof of postage and insurance included.