Award-winning photographer Hollie Fernando has unveiled a striking new portrait series titled "Hoydenish," which shines a light on the vibrant and evolving landscape of Morris dancing in Britain. The collection prominently features Boss Morris, an all-female troupe from Stroud, capturing their spirited approach to a tradition long associated with male dancers.
Fernando expressed her desire to celebrate the women who are actively shaping the future of Morris dancing, noting her keenness to document their unique blend of respect for tradition and innovative reinvention. This sentiment is particularly pertinent given the historical context of Morris dancing; while once a predominantly male pursuit, the establishment of the Morris Federation in 1975 specifically opened doors for women. Today, women make up more than half of all Morris dancers across the UK, a stark contrast to older organisations like the Morris Ring, which only began admitting teams with female members in 2018.
The photoshoot, which took place on Rodborough Common during one of Boss Morris's practice evenings, was designed to create a distinctive visual narrative. Collaborating with the dancers, who are known for creating and adapting their own costumes, Fernando introduced borrowed Victorian-inspired pieces and suggested floral face decorations, a nod to one member's profession as a florist. One notable element was the creation of a 'moss face' character, which later inspired a fable written by a troupe member, underscoring the organic way folklore can emerge within the group.
Fernando, known for her storytelling photography style influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, utilised medium-format film to achieve a particular green tone in her prints. The series also features Caprihorn, one of Boss Morris's 'beast characters,' whose costume draws inspiration from medieval manuscripts depicting mummers in animal masks. The photographer recounted feeling a sense of entering a "magical world" during her time with the group, an experience solidified by a unique local snack shared at a pub.
The title "Hoydenish" was chosen by Fernando to describe the "boisterous, untameable and free-spirited women" she encountered, aligning with her broader artistic aim to promote themes of strength and empowerment in her work. Following the project, Fernando has expressed an interest in forming a new all-female Morris side in Brighton, further contributing to the movement she has so vividly captured.