Morris Dolls in the Museum of British Folklore – summary

Simon Costin delivered a captivating talk on 11 December 2021, hosted by the Morris Federation, about the “Morris Dolls” housed in the Museum of British Folklore. This event offered insights into Costin’s journey to establish the museum and the Morris Dolls project, which creatively captures the diversity of Morris dancing teams in the UK.

Costin began by recounting his childhood experiences in Padstow, where witnessing the May Day celebrations sparked his fascination with British folklore. This interest was nurtured through books and family travels to folklore events. Recognising the lack of a dedicated museum for British folklore, Costin founded the Museum of British Folklore as a community interest company in 2009, later transitioning it to charitable status. His efforts included a UK tour in a visually striking caravan showcasing artefacts, including early Morris dolls representing specific teams. The caravan, named Roberta, became a mobile exhibition space, decorated with folkloric items to engage communities.

The talk highlighted Costin’s innovative approach to documenting Morris dancing. Rather than relying solely on photographs or costumes, he developed the idea of Morris dolls—miniature figures dressed to represent individual teams. These dolls, crafted collaboratively by team members, capture intricate details, from embroidered costumes to painted faces and accessories. Over 200 dolls are part of the collection, reflecting the breadth of Morris traditions, including Cotswold, border, and rapper styles. Teams contribute not only dolls but also historical and cultural context, enriching the museum’s archive.

Costin detailed exhibitions showcasing the dolls and other folklore artefacts, including collaborations with institutions like Compton Verney and the Whitechapel Gallery. Notable exhibitions, such as “Remember Remember” and “Folklore and Photography,” connected traditional practices to contemporary culture, drawing wide audiences and raising awareness of British folklore’s richness. Despite logistical and funding challenges, these events underscored the public’s enthusiasm for the museum’s mission.

The Morris Dolls project has also encountered challenges, notably around issues of representation, such as the evolving debate over blackface in Morris dancing. Costin is committed to documenting such changes, seeing the collection as a historical record of evolving practices and attitudes.

The talk concluded with a discussion of future plans. Costin aims to expand the doll collection, potentially through crowdfunding and partnerships. Exhibitions of the dolls are planned in Launceston and Stratford, with a broader vision of establishing a permanent museum complex. Audience questions ranged from doll contributions to exhibition logistics, reflecting widespread interest and support for the project.

Costin’s passion for folklore and dedication to preserving its legacy through innovative and collaborative methods were clear throughout the talk. The Morris Dolls project stands as a testament to the vibrancy of British cultural traditions and the importance of recording them for future generations.