May Day Pet Portraits

May Day and the first long weekend of May

May Day customs differ from village to village, but the familiar ones include dancing round a maypole, Morris dancers on the green, the crowning of a May Queen and garlands of fresh flowers carried through the streets. They all share one idea: summer is on its way. Most of us now spend the bank holiday in the garden, at a local fair or on a long walk, but that sense of welcoming the warmer months still fits.

A May Day portrait is less formal than a Christmas present and more playful than a birthday piece. It suits a dog who loves a country show, a cat who suns herself on the patio, or a pony who would happily wear flowers if anyone let her.

The May Day artwork

In the May Day flower crown style, your pet wears a crown woven from apple and hawthorn blossom with small spring flowers tucked in. Behind them, coloured ribbons stream from a maypole on a village green, and the light is soft and clear, like a bright morning in early May. The greens are fresh, the blossom is a pale blush pink, and the ribbons add small flashes of stronger colour without overwhelming your pet.

Fitting the flower crown

The crown is added by the style, so your pet does not need to wear anything in the photo. It is designed to sit naturally on long-eared spaniels, pointy-eared cats, lop rabbits and horses alike. Pick a photo where your pet's head and ears are fully in the frame; our photo tips explain why that matters.

A name in the corner

Add your pet's name, or a short line such as "Queen of the May", in the text step. Our software sets the lettering after the image is made, so it is always spelled correctly.

Making the most of the long weekend

• Share the picture on the first morning of the long weekend instead of a standard holiday snap.
• Print it as a small art print for a sunny windowsill or a garden room.
• Send a copy to a friend whose own dog always steals the show at the village fete.
• Keep it as a spring wallpaper on your phone until summer arrives.

When to order

A digital download is the quickest option. Most portraits are ready within an hour of payment. Busy periods or complex scenes can take longer. If you would like a printed, framed or canvas version, allow extra time: our print partner produces and posts it once you approve the proof, and bank holiday weekends can hold up the post. You can compare delivery options and times at checkout before you pay.

Other styles for a spring portrait

The May Day design belongs to our holidays and celebrations range. If you prefer something less festive, the decorative floral oil style surrounds your pet with painted roses and peonies, and it looks at home on a wall all year round.