The Green Man

I have been intrigued over many years by the image of the “Green Man”. This is a common feature of old churches. Known technically as “foliate heads”, these are found alternatively as the capitals of pillars, “bosses” at the junction of roof beams, or as carved misericords beneath choir seats. They take their name from their depiction of human heads, with foliage emerging from the eyes, nose or mouth. They can be grouped according to the type of foliage depicted, on the assumption that each carries a different, specific symbolic value.

Theories about the origin and meaning of the Green Man vary widely. I have drawn heavily on the work of Clive Hicks. Also, Robert Graves informs a good deal of my interpretation, particularly his book The White Goddess, in which he analyses at length the old tradition of a “language of the trees”. Attempts to define the meaning of the Green Man I believe to be misplaced. There can be no single meaning. It is an idea which is available to be responded to and interpreted as one feels moved or inspired.

Within this present context I use the idea to explore visually what William James termed “the varieties of religious experience”. There seem to be four very common types of Green Man (willow, hawthorn, oak and vine) to these, however, I have added three more (pine, holly and apple). Each of these I have identified with a particular approach to the nature of religious belief, faith and religious experience.

Seven of the images displayed here are based on roof bosses, and others are based on capitals.

A fully illustrated catalogue of the series is available, price £3.50.