S e c r e t s

The cat is dressed in the costume of Taunton Deane Morris Men, with whom David Lawrence dances. The logo in the center of the ‘baldric’ shows a ‘T’ for Taunton and a cider barrel. ‘Morris On’ is the tune to which Morris Dancers enter the village green (logically there is also a ‘Morris Off’). There is a trowel marked J.E. (for John England - a gardener who preserved many traditional songs) and a small packet of ‘Seeds of Love’ (one of the traditional songs). The mile post points backwards to Headington, but forwards to Hambridge. Also on the milestone is a typographical pun on Cecil Sharp’s name – C# - C. Sharp being a schoolmaster who wrote down many traditional songs and dances for the first time. ‘100 not out’ is a cricketing term – but appropriate here as Morris Dancing and Folk Song have survived despite all detractors. The mouse wears a ‘Hobby Horse’, a curious beast that dances out with some Morris sides. ‘1.5’ signifies ‘1st May’ – the day when Morris Dancing kicks off for the summer. The two animals dance round a green bush – ‘Green Bushes’ was a very popular song. Inside there is a Christmas (Plum) Pudding, which conjures up that wise old Morris song: ‘Lumps of Plum Pudding and Pieces of Pie.' This piece is available only at the 2003 House of Lords Artist Signing Tour event.s