What is a Folly? Its Architectural uses and Designs.

August 17, 2021

What is a Folly?

A folly is a term that describes a structure created mainly for admiration and the aesthetic value it adds to its landscape. Follies can have little to no function but can be a focal point for its environment, and can sometimes have a romantic essence about them. These structures were sometimes imposing and

eccentric in their design as were used as an escape with their surroundings to visitors who went

there. Traditionally made by the super wealthy for their regal estates in the 18th century, Follies come in an array of shapes and sizes, some highly intricate and adventurous whilst some more awkward and

eccentric. These could represent tombs for the dead, garden embellishments for beauty and for viewing

from its interior, a place for shelter and tea drinking or book reading or just a simple ornament or

structure with no entrances or windows.

Other structures that can be considered follies are elaborately decorated structures for the gateway to the main house, structures resembling a building but of no practical use and sham ruins of fortifications of buildings made for the feeling of nostalgia. Building materials can range from marble or limestone mimicking Roman temples and the use of wood honing to pagodas of Chinioserie and Japonism.

Fig 1 illustrates The Jealous Wall at Belvedere, Ireland. A Sham Ruin, which are pseudo ruins created for the effect of nostalgia. Often times, deteriorating materials would be used for these - adding to its effect.

Fig 2 and 3 illustrates from left to right, Buckinghamshire Mausoleum at Blickling Hall and Mausoleum at Georgium Park, Dessau, Germany. A Mausoleum, which were elaborately built, intended for the dead for one of more individuals.

Fig 4 illustrates Modern pyramid at Clearbeck House, Lancashire, pierced by a tunnel. Pyramid were almost always grand tombs or Mausoleums and get their shapes from Egyptian tombs or Pyramids.

Fig 5 illustrates an incomplete Folly commissioned by John McCaig in 1885. Closely resembling the Colosseum, this grand structure ceased in construction after the passing of the Wealthy Banker.

Fig 6 and 7 illustrates from left to right a garden Folly in the style of a traditional Japanese pagoda and Pagoda at Oranienbaum, Germany. Chinioserie, which were structures which alludes Chinese motifs of influence. This a pagoda done in that very style.

Fig 8 illustrates a garden Folly in the lavish estate of Stourhead.

Fig 9 illustrates Grimston Park Tower, Yorkshire a Prospect tower which could be rectangular or octagonal in shape. with staircases, these can offer a view from the top and some offering rooms for tea drinking.

Fig 10 illustrates The Rotunda, with a statue of Venus inside, at Stowe, Buckinghamshire. A Rotunda, typically circular at the base with a domes roof with columns. These were mainly used as garden ornaments.

Fig 11 illustrates The Gothic Temple at Stowe, Buckinghamshire.

Fig 12 The pinnacled Octagon Tower on the valley side at Studley Royal Water Gardens, North Yorkshire.

Reference list:

Follies, (n.d.), What is a Folly?

Available at:

http://follies.org.uk/index.php/what-is-a-folly/#top