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The story of the Green Man

Posted: Fri, 08 May 2009

Top broadcaster and freelance journalist Tim Healey will leave visitors to the Museum of English Rural Life spellbound on Tuesday 12 May, when he reveals the secrets behind the Green Man.

The Green Man is a mythical figure which is commonly used as a decorative architectural ornament and frequently found on carvings in churches and other buildings. Using stunning visual images and musical interludes from top folk musicians Hilary James and Simon Mayor, Tim will ask Who is the mysterious figure? Is he, as some say, a brooding woodland deity from early pagan tree cults? Does he derive from Celtic or Roman religion? What are his connections with traditional May Day celebrations?

University of Reading graduate and host of the Museum's concert series Hilary James said: "We are delighted that Tim is going to be telling this story which is closely linked to May Day traditions. He's a larger than life character so we should be in for a real treat!

"The Green Man is an age-old presence in architecture and crafts - a mysterious leafy mask often with plants streaming from the mouth, eyes or nostrils. He turns up in some of the earliest parish churches and the cloisters of Gothic cathedrals; in 18th-century keystones and Victorian door surrounds. You'll even find terracotta plaques in your local garden centre!"

Tim Healey is a freelance writer, record producer and popular broadcaster. He has worked chiefly for BBC Radio 4 for whom he presented the 'At Home with Healey' Tim directs the Oxford Folk Festival and runs the Oxford Waits with whom he performs in 17th century costume.

Bekky Moran, Learning Manager at MERL said: "The Museum of English Rural Life is dedicated to the spirit of the English countryside and its people. This talk fits beautifully with the Museum's aim to explore different aspects of rural life and see the countryside in a different light. To this end, we work with artists, craftspeople, poets and writers as well as musicians who all give a different 'flavour' or interpretation of our collections."

The concert starts t 7.30pm on Tuesday 12 May. For tickets (£12 & £10 (concessions), visit www.reading.ac.uk/merl, email merlevents@reading.ac.uk or call 0118 378 8660.