Following on from the broadcast email letter to members ‘Calling time on full face black makeup’, on 3rd July 2020, here are some of the frequently asked questions from members.
See all our Face Paint pages:
- Main Face Paint FAQ page
- Face Paint Guidance
- Face Paint Incidents (this page)
- Historical references to face paint
- Legal and Insurance issues
- Photos for Publicity, Web and Social Media
- Archive Photos
Incident regarding Publicity Photos
We were contacted regarding an issue with photographs of Morris sides used in the publicity before and after a Day of Dance. The event in question was not a Morris Federation event itself, but the contact was a member of one of our teams, and the morris co-ordinator for this particular event.
The photographs in question although not of full-face black make-up, were of sufficiently dark coloured face paint as to appear black to the naked eye at a quick glance. This prompted the local council to withdraw funding from this particular Day of Dance, despite the Morris co-ordinator’s measured and evidence-based defence.
Whilst this is not a Morris Federation issue of itself, complaints have a wider effect on the entire morris community. It is indicative of the kind of challenge and difficult situation member sides may encounter in the event of someone perceiving dark-coloured face paint (or unfortunately lit / black and white photographs on social media) as full-face black make-up.
Conclusion
We would like to remind our members that perceptions do matter, and can have lasting effects, and reiterate the need for caution in choosing face paint designs. As the example above highlights, it is important to consider the potential impact of images shared on social media, including those shared by members of the public over which you have no control. Face paint, even when not full-face, may be open to misinterpretation when captured from certain angles or in low light.
We understand the use of make-up is a part of kit for many, and teams may be hesitant surrounding change, but to err on the side of caution and avoid unwanted attention or potential provocation of situations such as the above, we strongly recommend incorporating patterns and designs which are not so open to misinterpretation; perhaps a simple stripe or dotted pattern, with high-contrast shades, would be sufficient to be obviously inoffensive, and doable for all. We are aware that situations such as the above may cause feelings of uncertainty or hesitation over suitability of your own team’s make-up usage, but by incorporating small changes you could help make a big difference in not only your own team’s confidence surrounding use of face paint but also ensure those witnessing your performance are comfortable, too.
Feedback
If you have any questions, or anything at all you wish to discuss with us on this topic, or any experiences of moving away from full face black makeup, or statements from your team that you wish to share, please do email us at feedback@morrisfed.org.uk.
Last updated: May 2026
