Gog and Magog

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​​​​​​​The Return of Gog and Magog

Liveryman Kay Johnson, one of the makers of Gog and Magog, recalls:

"Willow giants made by basketmakers are believed to have been part of the Lord Mayor’s Show since the reign of Henry V.

"In 2006 Olivia Elton Barratt was to become the first lady Prime Warden of the Basketmakers Company.  Amongst other ambitions she longed to re-create the giants using traditional willow. We photographed the ‘Guildhall giants’ from every angle, and consulted Dominic Read, the Pageantmaster, who said: 'You make them as tall as you can but they must be clear of bridges and overhead cables!'

"Olivia’s enthusiasm inspired at least 40 members of the Basketmakers' Association, who gave their time and expertise re-creating the giants in a workshop in Essex during weekemds over the next nine months.Musgroves of Somerset donated the willow and the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers gave us moral and financial support throughout.

"Standing 14 feet high, the Ggants appear each year in the Lord Mayor’s Show accompanied by The Guild of Young Freemen and  members of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers."

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