Shademakers showcased The Queen’s Beasts. 

As part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, Shademakers were asked to bring the ancient Heraldic Beasts to life as part of the celebration of Her Majesty’s long reign. Under the artistic vision of Paul McLaren, a panoply of creatures was created to dance to the rhythms of drums and pipes of the four nations of the United Kingdom. From the humble farmyard creatures of the field to the mythical beasts of the Heavens, a menagerie of animals were designed and built on the Isle of Wight and taken to the streets of London as part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.  

The broad range of creatures evident in heraldic crests relate to the various activities which families denote their ancestry. Of the lower orders, wealth and status, balanced on the tightrope between success and obscurity meant the symbolism of coats of arms indicated pecking order in a feudal system. Each of the beasts were divided into the four nations of the United Kingdom and celebrated the ancient creatures associated with them. From a stampede of unicorns representing Scotland, the playful pigs, sheep and chickens for Wales, the giant bull led the way for Northern Ireland and several beautiful swans represented England. Each of the sections were led by Lions decked in the heraldic symbolism of each of the four nations.