Hobbyhorse, Midhurst, West Sussex, 1922, Museum purchase, 1967

British folk tradition, ongoing, (revival). The tradition has several regional variations with arguably ancient roots. Appears as seasonal street performance, the performer taking the role of a horse.

The display:
Performance Gallery presents the little hobby horse from the early 20th century in front of an image of Morris dancing in the late 20th century Brighton.

Find out more

- Consider the performance: as Spectator, as Performer, as Maker
- Hobbyhorse in Brighton Museum's collection
- Find out more about the Hobbyhorse

Hobbyhorse - SPECTATOR

	Morris dancers, Brighton 1999 © Photographer: Terry Aplin - The Argus

It's festival time in England, late 15th century. Dancing model horses with their human 'riders' have begun to be popular entertainment at Twelfth Night festivities, Tudor May games and Spring celebrations in rural parishes.

It is springtime in 21st century Brighton. In the Lanes the sights and sounds of Morris dancers feel reassuringly rooted in the past. You are watching one of the revivals of a ceremonial dance steeped in English history.

Hobbyhorse - PERFORMER

	Detail, Banbury Hobbyhorse Festival © Rosy Burke 2000

In its medieval variant or its modern revivals, the skill of the dancer lies in imitating the majesty of the horse.

To perform is an opportunity to step outside your everyday roles, to challenge conventions. You know that in the past this has caused hobbyhorse dancing to be outlawed.

Hobbyhorse traditions have been revived in different parts of Britain, across the centuries. Their performers share a will to be part of old traditions tied to the land and the seasons.

Hobbyhorse - MAKER

Midhurst, West Sussex, 1922. Time to take the hobbyhorse down from the attic. It's a few years since you made its wooden hoop frame, and it has done good service for May festivals since then.

The pink muslin skirt can be ironed. The frizzled mane needs a trim; add some new bells and red woollen braid. Slip the straps over your shoulders and adjust the height of the horse. Check the head, stuffed with yellowing newsprint. You replace it with today's crisp newspapers.