Gog and Magog
The Return of Gog and Magog
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, 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 9 months.
Musgroves of Somerset donated the willow and the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers gave us moral & financial support throughout.
Standing 14 foot high, the Giants appears each year in the LordMayor’s Show accompanied by The Guild of Young Freemen, members of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers and The Basketmakers' Association.
Kay Johnson
Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers













