The custom depicted in the painting is the greeting of the May sun and is observed annually at Magdalen College, where the fellows and president ascend to the tower to sing. Dr Bloxam who was involved in the restitution of the May Morning ceremony , is the fourth figure from the right.
A larger version of the painting is in the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool.
The circular copper repousee frame was designed by the artist and executed by John Williams, of the Guild of Handicraft.
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