Large Body Improvements
After a bit of experience of building and operating a giant, a few improvements soon became obvious and necessary. The following pictures show some of these and also the sequence of dressing the giant.
Here's a picture of the upright giant undressed. After the initial construction, more pipes have been added to the front of the front and sides of the frame to give a bit more shape and hold the costume out. Not completely clear, but three metal clothes rails from disused wardrobes have been added to brace the frame and keep it rigid when carrying. The arms are attached to the shoulders via cheap carabiners and the hand is a painted rubber glove. A piece of old plastic garden fencing is attached to the top of the torso to also bulk out the frame and keep the costume shape.
This is a better view of the clothes rail used to brace the frame. Also shown is the padded shoulder pads for carrying the giant with. The ends of the main pipes have been filled with wooden balls, the original open pipes used to catch on the ground whereas the wood skims over more easily if the giant catches the ground.
This is a view of the head being attached while the frame is lying on the ground. The pipes are bolted to the inside of the giants shoulders. They're under a bit of tension which helps to hold the head in place.
...and with the head attachment complete.
The frame and head of the giant are all joined together lying down before being lifted upright. Here a box is being used to support the giants head before being stood up.
These are a few pictures of the giant being dressed. A large green sheet sewn up covers most of the body and provides a foundation shape and colour.
A Devon flag is then pinned over the front as a tabard.
The body covering is then finished off with a black skirt. The rear of the skirt has an opening for the porter to climb in and out through.
To finish off the giant is given an old curtain cloak, very fetching!
And the giant in St George clothes, with a second hand and lance in this case.