Folly

Curated by Peter Burke RWA

Featuring Peter Burke RWA, Judith Jones RWA, Jemma Gunning RWA RE and Karl Singporewala RWA RIBA

The tradition of folly building began in Britain’s stately homes several hundred years ago. Wealthy individuals chose to demonstrate their prosperity by commissioning ornamental structures in their newly landscaped grounds, often taking the form of towers or mock ruins.

Today, the wider built environment is filled with structures shaped by political, religious, or commercial ideologies. Many were once symbols of ambition and prestige but have since become redundant or obsolete. Can these be considered modern follies?

The tradition of the folly also persists in another way – in the urge to undertake an idiosyncratic project for its own sake, flying in the face of logic and common sense or utility.

Across a wide range of mediums, these themes serve as a common thread for contemporary artists to explore in this exhibition.