The Lost Giants (TLG), an art collective based in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, is reviving the British tradition of making processional giants—large, community-built figures made from wood, cloth, and papier-mâché. Founded three years ago by theatre designer Ruth Webb and her sister-in-law Amy Webb, the group has created giants for events ranging from local lantern parades to a harvest procession at Hauser & Wirth’s Somerset gallery. This New Year’s Eve, environmentalist Lisa Schneidau joined a massive procession of these giants in Lostwithiel, describing it as an extraordinary experience. The collective recently issued a public callout for an environmental group to collaborate on making a new beastie.
This revival matters because it blends ancient folk traditions with contemporary ecological activism, giving communities a powerful, visual way to express collective desires and political messages. TLG’s giants—such as Old Crockern, the guardian spirit of Dartmoor, and a squadron of animals that marched on St Paul’s Cathedral—demonstrate how traditional craft can be harnessed for modern environmental campaigns. The trend reflects a broader resurgence of interest in community activism, folk art, and seasonal celebrations, showing that these oversized creations can amplify voices that feel unheard and foster a sense of shared purpose.