Ben Edge and the Modern British Identity
The acclaimed British artist Ben Edge has built a career exploring identity, folklore, and the mysteries that connect people to nature. His latest exhibition reveals how Ben Edge art blends mythology and realism to reflect who we are today as a nation.
Inside his London studio, vibrant canvases, mythic sculptures, and symbolic figures fill the space — including a life-sized horse ridden by a flower-garlanded mannequin. This striking work, Where Must We Go in Search of Our Better Selves, pays homage to the “Garland King,” a folkloric figure from Castleton, Derbyshire, who rides through the village every May. For Edge, this ritual represents self-discovery and the journey inward.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
About a decade ago, Edge stumbled upon a druid ceremony at Tower Hill in London. “I saw people in white cloaks walking past a KFC and a red phone box,” he recalls. “They spoke about reconnecting to nature and how London would one day be reclaimed by it. That moment completely changed me.”
From that experience, Edge began a deep dive into Britain’s forgotten customs — morris dancing, wassailing, and seasonal festivals — all of which have since shaped his artistic vision.
His paintings merge poetic mysticism with social realism, capturing how folk traditions can ground modern society. For Edge, this journey didn’t just inspire his work — it helped him overcome years of depression. “Rediscovering our rituals and seasons gave me purpose,” he says.https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/art
The Folk Revival and British Identity
Today, Edge is one of the leading voices in the modern folk revival. His art bridges ancient stories and contemporary themes, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be British in an age of uncertainty.
“There’s a myth that our folk culture is dying,” he explains. “It’s not. It’s thriving — and people are finally talking about it.”
This vision comes alive in his monumental painting Children of Albion, which explores the shared history of the British Isles. Inspired by William Blake, Edge reimagines Albion — the ancient spirit of Britain — not as a symbol of division, but as a unifying figure awakening to self-awareness.
The artwork’s vast canvas weaves together refugees, miners, vikings, and morris dancers, capturing both the pain and beauty of Britain’s complex past. “We’re all asking who we are after Brexit,” Edge says. “This painting helped me work it out.”
Folklore, Faith, and Finding Connection
Edge believes that folk traditions can help heal the disconnect between people and the environment. “When I was at my lowest, my only link to nature was putting recycling in the right bin,” he says. “Now, I understand how ancient customs — like planting seeds or celebrating solstices — remind us we’re part of something larger.”
His sculptures, including Where Must We Go in Search of Our Better Selves, use symbolic elements like plastic flowers to comment on humanity’s relationship with nature. They also honor the communities that keep folk culture alive through creativity and improvisation.
“Most of these traditions survive because ordinary people keep them going,” Edge explains. “They make costumes, gather materials, and celebrate with what they have. That’s real art.”
Creating His Own Artistic Path
Edge’s career is defined by independence. “You can’t wait for galleries to save you,” he says. “You have to build your own art world.”
This self-reliant attitude has brought him growing recognition and loyal audiences who connect deeply with his vision. His work invites viewers to reconsider Britain’s identity — not through nostalgia, but through connection, honesty, and renewal.
Conclusion: A New Vision of Albion
Through his paintings and sculptures, Ben Edge art captures the spirit of a country rediscovering itself. His work reminds us that British identity isn’t static — it’s a living, evolving story shaped by both past and present.
By blending folklore, faith, and contemporary insight, Ben Edge helps us ask one of the most important questions of our time: Who are we now, and who do we want to become?
