follies

Follies are architectural structures built primarily for visual effect rather than practical use. They emerged in 18th-century England within pleasure gardens and landscape parks, where they were intended to embellish the countryside, provoke particular moods, and demonstrate taste and wealth. The term folly covered buildings that appeared ancient, exotic, or romantic, yet served no essential function. Common forms include classical temples, Gothic arches, turreted pavilions, pyramid towers, obelisks, grottoes, and structures that resemble ruined or vestigial civilizations.

In landscape design, follies were placed to surprise or reward the observer along walks, framed by views, or perched on hilltops or beside water. Interiors, if present, were usually small and not meant for regular use; some could function as summer houses, decorative shelters, or hermitages. Construction materials varied, including stone, brick, and stucco, and many follies were designed to imitate ancient or weathered appearances, enhancing the illusion of antiquity or exoticism.

Follies were especially popular in Britain from the mid-18th to the early 19th century and later spread to continental Europe and North America. They reflect the picturesque and romantic impulses of the period, privileging imagination and scenic effect over utility. In contemporary discourse, the term folly can describe any extravagant or whimsical architectural gesture; many surviving examples are preserved as cultural heritage, with some restored or repurposed for contemporary use such as exhibitions, garden features, or leisure spaces.