Every so often, a project lands on our desk that stands apart. Recently, Bay Media had the honour of contributing to a unique historical display in the heart of Barnet – the installation of 76 medieval flags, bringing the past to life along the town’s main thoroughfares.
This wasn’t a typical campaign for us. In a departure from our usual full-service offering, this project was an “install-only” job. The historically rich flags, commemorating the pivotal 1471 Battle of Barnet during the Wars of the Roses, were meticulously researched, designed, and hand-crafted by dedicated volunteers at Barnet Museum. Our role was to ensure these incredible pieces of artistry were displayed safely, securely, and to maximum effect for the community to enjoy.
Medieval flags on display in Barnet High Street
Battle of Barnet
More than just eye-catching displays, the Battle of Barnet banners represent a connection to a key event in British history.
As Scott Harrison, a key driving force behind the project and trustee at Barnet Museum, explains in his book, “Behind the Battle of Barnet Banners: People of the Wars of the Roses”:
“The Battle of Barnet banners display the coats of arms of those kings, nobles and gentry known or thought to have fought on that fateful, foggy morning in April 1471… Since 2017, the Battle of Barnet banners have become a familiar feature of the summer scene in Chipping Barnet High Street.”
The museum volunteers’ dedication is impressive. They’ve “designed, made and painted the banners,” ensuring the heraldry is “as accurate as possible for the titleholder in the year 1471.” With now over a hundred banners in their collection, this annual display along Wood Street, Barnet High Street, and St Albans Road is a cherished local event.
Stepping in to Help
When Barnet Museum faced a last-minute challenge with their usual installation arrangements, Bay Media were pleased to step in. Understanding the importance of this community initiative and the immense effort already invested by the museum, our team was mobilised to ensure the banners went up as planned for their go-live date of April 14th – the anniversary of the historic battle itself.
Our experienced installation crew, Ferenc and Iulian, undertook the careful task of raising all 76 banners. Their professionalism and even their engagement with the historical figures represented on the flags did not go unnoticed.
Mike Noronha, Curator at Barnet Museum, shared his appreciation with a kind testimonial:
“Lizzie and her team did a terrific job in raising the Battle of Barnet Banners on the anniversary of this significant battle of the Wars of the Roses. Ferenc and Iulian were highly professional in their work and also showed their interest in the Kings, Lords and Knights represented by the banners. They worked at a good pace in increasingly adverse weather, putting all 76 banners accurately in place, the two sides facing each other across Barnet High Street. Well done, great work in supporting the efforts of our volunteers at Barnet Museum and the community!”
Barnet Museum’s medieval banners on display
A Historic Display
The flags, which will be in place in Barnet until September 21st, create a colourful visual corridor, transporting passers-by back to the 15th century. It’s a project that marries historical education with public art, enriching the local streetscape and supporting the work of Barnet Museum.
Scott Harrison kindly shared photos of the installed banners. For anyone looking to dive a little deeper into the fascinating stories behind each standard, his book “Behind the Battle of Barnet Banners” (published June 2024) is available via Barnet Museum and offers an illustrated guide to the people and heraldry of the period.
At Bay Media, we’re more accustomed to managing the entire process from print to installation. However, this unique project for Barnet Museum highlights our flexibility and commitment to supporting our clients and communities, whatever their specific needs. We’re thrilled to have played a small part in bringing this piece of local heritage to the public eye.
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