Just picked up some information from a discussion of this topic elsewhere, and you are correct Steve, that there is a school of thought that blacking up was inspired by the popularity of the minstrel shows. I'm far more inclined to the disguise theory, particularly when you consider that the minstrels were a 'formal' staged show, and the morris or molly dancers would have used soot from the chimney.

However you look at it, I still don't understand why any self respecting morris side would want to pose with Cameron, even if they are in disguise!

John