Henry Mayhew, London Labour and the London Poor: Volume 3 provides this image of the monster Fawkes. These representations
were the work not of local children but merchants and others who wished to supplement their business income. One reports that using this
vehicle he could bring in sufficient income to get him through from November till Christmas.
flying money. Mayhew describes these images as a departure from earlier tradition:
"Of late years, however, the character of Guy Fawkes-day has entirely changed. It seems now to partake rather of the nature of a London May-day. The figures have grown to be of gigantic stature, and whilst clowns, musicians, and dancers have got to accompany them in their
travels through the streets, the traitor Fawkes seems to have been almost
laid aside, and the festive occasion taken advantage of for the
expression of any political feeling.....When, however, the monster Guy Fawkeses
came into fashion, considerably greater expense was gone to in ; getting up" the figures. Then the feet were always fastened in their proper position, and although the arrangement of the hands was never perfectly mastered, yet the fingers were brought a little more closely together, and approached the digital dexterity of the dummies at the cheap clothes marts. -For carrying the guys about, chairs, wheelbarrows, trucks, carts, and vans are employed. Chairs and wheelbarrows are patronized by the juvenile population, but the other vehicles belong to the gigantic speculations. "
Note that this image shows a Guy face with well developed mask tradition it is not clear that a mask was used. Note-none of the celebrants
wear masks.
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