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The Ballad of British Folklore

Christie’s South Kensington, 25 July – 1 September 2016

This summer, Christie’s South Kensington presents an exhibition charting the history of the Museum of British Folklore (MoBF).

MoBF grew from one man's vision of a national centre devoted to promoting, celebrating and revitalising Britain’s seasonal customs. In 2009, Simon Costin set out to realise his goal, travelling the length and breadth of the country in a converted caravan museum. Two years later, Mellany Robinson joined the museum as projects manager.

Since then, MoBF has curated and produced over 10 exhibitions exploring diverse and distinctive elements of British tradition, including popular culture and folklore's influence on photography. The nomadic museum has worked with the Whitechapel Gallery, the Towner Art Gallery and Compton Verney, among other partners.

A curated selection of works from past exhibitions will be on view at Christie’s South Kensington, alongside the museum’s ambitious plans for a permanent home – a place where Britain's rich and varied folk traditions can be explored and enjoyed by all.

Remember, remember: A History of Fireworks in Britain, Museum of British Folklore at Compton Verney, 15 October – 11 December 2011
© Museum of British Folklore 
Video: Director of the MoBF Simon Costin introduces a new exhibition featuring works from the museum's eclectic collection

Featured Exhibitions

21st Century Folk Culture
Online

Figures of Folk
PARCspace, LCC, 9 February – 30 April 2015

Rattle Up, My Boys: The Trevor Stone Archive
EFDSS, 26 November 2013 – 12 January 2014

Black Eyes and Lemonade: Curating Popular Art
Whitechapel Gallery, 9 March – 1 September 2013

London Lore
Dennis Severs’ House, 14 June – 5 July 2013

Collective Observations: Folklore and Photography, from Benjamin Stone to Flickr
Towner Art Gallery, 13 October – 13 January 2013

The Doc Rowe Archive: Fifty Years Focusing on Folk
MEAL, 18 April – 30 June 2012

Remember, remember: A History of Fireworks in Britain
Compton Verney, 15 October – 11 December 2011


Exhibition information

The Ballad of British Folklore

  • Location

    Christie’s South Kensington
    85 Old Brompton Road
    London SW7 3LD

  • Viewing

    25 July – 1 September 2016

    Monday: 9am – 7:30pm
    Tuesday – Friday: 9am – 5:00pm
    Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 5:00pm

    Closed
    30 – 31 July
    27 – 29 August

  • Contact

    Museum of British Folklore
    mofbf@clara.co.uk