The intriguing image used in this design comes from a medieval floor tile was recovered following excavations at Derby Black Friary in 1863. It does not appear to be on public display, and is likely languishing in a private collection somewhere. I have somewhat simplified the original to provide a little more focus and clarity.
The nature and style of the tiles is described by Llewellynn Jewitt in an issue of The Reliquary journal from 1863: “They belong to that class of caricatures which were called in french and Anglo Norman Monde Beatorne – the world turned upside down, in which each oppressed class of animated beings became the lord and master over its former oppressor…..the poor hunted hare has turned the tables on his oppressor the hound, and has mounted his back, taken possession of the hunter’s horn, and is galloping away with all the ardour and excitement which the chase inspired. “
Grinning down at each corner is the face of a grotesque that has been interpreted as representing the Spirit of Misrule.
The Lord of Misrule, along with the ecclesiastic equivalent of the Abbott of Unreason, was appointed at Christmas and presided over the festivities when the normal social order was temporarily suspended. The world is turned upside down! Mischief is afoot! Let the carnival begin!
Grinning down at each corner is the face of a grotesque that has been interpreted as representing the Spirit of Misrule.
The Lord of Misrule, along with the ecclesiastic equivalent of the Abbott of Unreason, was appointed at Christmas and presided over the festivities when the normal social order was temporarily suspended. The world is turned upside down! Mischief is afoot! Let the carnival begin!
