The Museum of British Folklore is an ambitious new travelling folklore collection and display from Simon Costin, who also happens to be a theatre set designer. The museum is housed in a beautifully painted caravan and is slowly winding its way around the country. Here’s what its creator has to say:
In Britain in the 21st century, there exists a rich, living tradition of annual folk festivals and traditional rituals, many of which have existed for hundreds of years while others are relatively new. It is therefore a surprising fact that there exists no properly funded centre in Britain to research and celebrate our native traditions and vernacular arts. It is my aim, that over the next few years, such an institution will exist, which will address this situation. Visitors will be able to view a collection of artifacts, ephemera, costumes and images that document not only the history but the living tradition of Britain’s annual and seasonal customs in all their archaic glory. The range is extraordinary: at this point, over 700 annual customs are still in practice across the country.
Thanks Andy Letcher!