Jack in the Green could perhaps be seen as a manifestation of the Green Man at English folk gatherings. Usually a sort of cone-shaped costume built around a wicker frame, for this painting I was inspired by those people who deck themselves out with masks and greenery to enjoy the parades.

Today is Saint George’s Day, and also William Shakespeare’s birthday, and also happens to be my birthday! So I’m celebrating English folk culture with another painting in my Colourful Folk series, which has so far included the Welsh Mari Lwyd, the Dorset Ooser, the Cornish Oss and a Straw Bear.