Ben Edge's latest exhibition at London's Fitzrovia Chapel, "Children of Albion," promises to be a visual feast that delves into the rich history and folklore of Britain. This epic quasi-altarpiece is the culmination of a decade-long journey for the artist, who has become a leading figure in the British folk renaissance.
Edge's fascination with the past began after a chance encounter with druids at London's Tower Hill during the spring equinox. Witnessing their effort to reconnect with nature and reclaim the city sparked an awakening within him. Since then, he has been on a mission to explore and document Britain's time-honoured practices, from wassailing in January to morris dancing at the spring equinox.
The artist sees himself as part of a larger narrative that is often overlooked in modern Britain β one that values storytelling, craftsmanship, and community. In a climate where far-right politics has led to a national identity crisis, Edge's folkloric quest serves as a counter-narrative, highlighting the resilience of traditional customs and practices.
Edge's latest work, "Children of Albion," is a sweeping visual survey that brings together refugees in boats, Stonehenge, Viking raids, and the miners' strike alongside morris dancers. The painting depicts the moment of awakening for Albion, the ancient word for pre-Roman Britain, symbolizing a universal vision of humanity proposed by William Blake.
For Edge, reconnecting with nature is key to addressing the climate emergency. He believes that restoring this fractured relationship can offer a radical strategy to address modern crises. "When I was clinically depressed," he recalls, "I had no connection to nature." The lockdowns, however, brought a transformative shift in people's mindsets, sparking a renewed appreciation for the environment and a sense of pride in their immediate landscapes.
Edge's artistic journey is marked by an independent spirit, as he emphasizes the importance of building one's own art world rather than relying on external validation. With "Children of Albion," he invites viewers to embark on a visual and emotional journey that celebrates the beauty and diversity of British folklore.
The exhibition will run at the Fitzrovia Chapel from November 6th to 26th, offering an immersive experience for those willing to engage with Edge's latest masterpiece.
Edge's fascination with the past began after a chance encounter with druids at London's Tower Hill during the spring equinox. Witnessing their effort to reconnect with nature and reclaim the city sparked an awakening within him. Since then, he has been on a mission to explore and document Britain's time-honoured practices, from wassailing in January to morris dancing at the spring equinox.
The artist sees himself as part of a larger narrative that is often overlooked in modern Britain β one that values storytelling, craftsmanship, and community. In a climate where far-right politics has led to a national identity crisis, Edge's folkloric quest serves as a counter-narrative, highlighting the resilience of traditional customs and practices.
Edge's latest work, "Children of Albion," is a sweeping visual survey that brings together refugees in boats, Stonehenge, Viking raids, and the miners' strike alongside morris dancers. The painting depicts the moment of awakening for Albion, the ancient word for pre-Roman Britain, symbolizing a universal vision of humanity proposed by William Blake.
For Edge, reconnecting with nature is key to addressing the climate emergency. He believes that restoring this fractured relationship can offer a radical strategy to address modern crises. "When I was clinically depressed," he recalls, "I had no connection to nature." The lockdowns, however, brought a transformative shift in people's mindsets, sparking a renewed appreciation for the environment and a sense of pride in their immediate landscapes.
Edge's artistic journey is marked by an independent spirit, as he emphasizes the importance of building one's own art world rather than relying on external validation. With "Children of Albion," he invites viewers to embark on a visual and emotional journey that celebrates the beauty and diversity of British folklore.
The exhibition will run at the Fitzrovia Chapel from November 6th to 26th, offering an immersive experience for those willing to engage with Edge's latest masterpiece.
I think what's really cool about Ben Edge's art is how he takes these ancient practices and makes them feel relevant again. It's like, we're living in a time where people are feeling super disconnected from nature and each other... but his work shows that there's this whole other world of stories and traditions waiting to be explored.
It's not just about saving the planet, but also about finding a sense of purpose and belonging in our own communities.
, i love how he's trying to bring back this old-school vibe and connection with nature, it's like we really need that right now 
...and the fact that he's a total nonconformist artist who doesn't care about what others think is so inspiring 
...i mean, who wouldn't want to see morris dancers and wassailing in their artwork? 
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His passion for Britain's folklore and history is infectious, and it's amazing to see how his art can bring people together. 
The way he weaves stories of the past with modern-day issues like climate change is really inspiring - it's like he's saying, "Hey, our connection to nature is key to solving this!" 
And I love that he's all about building his own community and not relying on others for validation - girl, boss! 
Can't wait to check out the exhibit at Fitzrovia Chapel and experience the beauty of British folklore firsthand!
. ben edge's like, the ultimate visual thinker - he's takin all these different stories & practices and turnin 'em into this beautiful, cohesive vision of britain 
. i'm def checkin out this exhibit when it opens 
sounds like Ben Edge is onto something here. I mean, who wouldn't want to reconnect with nature and explore their heritage? 
And what's with the whole "counter-narrative" thing? How does he define this narrative, exactly? Is it just a bunch of folkloric stuff or is there something more to it? 
Also, what's the deal with the artist's vision of humanity being proposed by William Blake? Can someone please break down that reference for me? 
i mean, who wouldn't want to reconnect with nature? especially after everything we've been through lately... anyway, i'm super excited to see "children of albion" for myself - it sounds like a real visual feast 
but what really gets me is how edge's work serves as a counter-narrative to the whole far-right politics thing. like, it's all about preserving traditional customs and practices, you know? anyway, i'm planning on checking out the exhibition when it opens...
. I love how his art is all about community and connection to nature, it's like he's saying "Hey, don't forget where you come from!" 
. And can we talk about the symbolism of Stonehenge? 
Can't wait to see what Edge has created! 