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Wat-Tyler-frosty-detail---web13

Rebels Return (detail)

Title: The Rebels Return
Material: 7 sweet chestnut trees
Height: 11ft.

In 1381 peasants from the Essex marshland villages marched on London to protest against the poll tax. The rebellion was quickly suppressed. Most of the rebels were allowed to go home but the leaders were pursued, captured and executed. The leader of this peasants revolt was Wat Tyler.

In order to represent this mass of humanity marching on London, I chose to carve 7 figures out of sweet chestnut trees, that would symbolise them all. Wat Tyler stands proudly at the front of this group. Other figures are bound and captive. They are around 11 ft tall and display a sense of the drama of those far off days.

The carvings are sited in a clearing. They look as if they have just emerged from the wooded area behind them.

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