Follies: A Little Spartan Guide to the National Trust
Artist
Ian Hamilton Finlay
(Nassau, Bahamas, 1925 - 2006)
Date1987
Object NamePrint
Mediumlithograph
ClassificationsPrints
DimensionsPaper Size: 29.9 x 21cm
AcquisitionPresented in 2010 by Joyce Laing OBE.
Copyright© Estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay (2009)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG017439
About MeLithographic print entitled "Follies: A Little Spartan Guide to the National Trust", which features a mock guide to various aspects of the National Trust (e.g. Its Language, Its Wit, Its Scholarship, Its Concern for our Literary Heritage, etc.) and sarcastic definitions beneath each heading. The print was conceived by the Saint-Just Vigilantes and printed by the Stellar Press. The purpose and context of the work was to antagonise the National Trust in reaction to "Follies: A National Trust Guide", which contained disparaging comments about the Garden Temple at Little Sparta. Ian Hamilton Finlay's dispute with the National Trust over this publication was known as the "Follies War". The print folds into thirds and is addressed to Joyce Laing on the reverse. It seals with a white adhesive label (still attached).This work is part of an archive that belonged to Joyce Laing, OBE. The artist, Ian Hamilton Finlay, was a personal friend and sent her an example of each new poem print and multiple as it was made.
