The same sort of thing happened in my dispute with the National Trust book: Follies: A National Trust Guide, which implied that the only pleasure you can get from Folly architecture is by calling the architect mad, and by laughing at the architecture.

Ian Hamilton Finlay

The Quote in Other Words

I had a similar experience when I had a disagreement with the National Trust book, Follies: A National Trust Guide. The book suggested that the only way to enjoy Folly architecture is by labeling the architect as insane and ridiculing the architecture.

Explanation of the Quote

This quote highlights the issue of how people often perceive and judge art and architecture. The author is frustrated with the National Trust book’s suggestion that the only way to appreciate Folly architecture is by mocking it and calling the architect mad. This implies that there is no real value or beauty in the architecture itself, but rather in the amusement it provides. However, this narrow-minded view fails to recognize the complexity and creativity involved in creating such structures. It also overlooks the potential for deeper emotional and intellectual connections with the art. This quote reminds us to approach art with an open mind and to seek out the beauty and meaning in all forms of expression, even those that may seem unconventional or strange at first glance.