Comments on: Barbara Jones, ‘Follies & Grottoes’, 1974.

By: Editor

Editor — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:40:46 +0000

In reply to Eric Kellerman. Hello Eric. It is wonderful to hear how a discussion about follies with Barbara Jones became part of the Dutch education system! I hope you can dig out the recording one day. Meanwhile, your interview was transcribed and published in the magazine of the Folly Fellowship in 1993, when a special commemorative issue was dedicated to Barbara Jones. The magazine (number 16) is available free to view on the Folly Fellowship's website

By: Eric Kellerman

Eric Kellerman — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:36:40 +0000

I was a great fan of Barbara Jones’ folly books and tramped many a wet field in search of the buildings she described in the 1974 F&G. In 1975, thanks to a mutual acquaintance, I was able to visit Barbara Jones at her home in Well Walk. With her permission, I taped our conversation in order to provide some authentic listening materials for my Dutch students. We talked mainly about follies, and I also took a photo of her. Somewhere in the house, I will have that recording and photo but I would have to do a lot of digging to find them now. An shortened version of that conversation somehow or other became part of the listening test for the Dutch equivalent of the English Language A-level exam!

By: Editor

Editor — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 16:11:50 +0000

In reply to Moira Garland. Thank you Moira. I hope you continue to enjoy 'travelling' to see these quirky structures via these posts. I appreciate your support.

By: Moira Garland

Moira Garland — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 11:48:04 +0000

More enlightening rambles from you, editor, which I continue to enjoy even if I cannot travel to the edifices themselves. I look forward to more follies and garden and landscape ornaments.
Thank you.

By: Editor

Editor — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 07:43:18 +0000

In reply to Adrian Fisher. Hello Adrian. I haven't forgotten your kind invitation. I would love to see your follies, and hope to visit early next year.

By: Adrian Fisher

Adrian Fisher — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 21:49:15 +0000

I’m still looking forward to your visit to The Maze House in Durweston, where two Follies await your gaze. I’ve been flying drones in the skies of England, France and America this summer, so more great aerial photos, should you wish to consider them for your next book.

By: J St Brioc Hooper

J St Brioc Hooper — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 17:10:54 +0000

Abebooks.co.uk seems to have a copy for sale at only £35.00 if you are still interested, Edward.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 15:28:42 +0000

In reply to Julia Colver. Good afternoon Julia. First, thanks for your ongoing support - you were one of my earliest subscribers and I really appreciate that. I can’t pretend that a book is imminent, but I do constantly think of how it might happen one day.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 15:25:45 +0000

In reply to Edward Mirzoeff. Hello Edward. This sounds wonderful fun and I’m pleased you fought to keep it in the broadcast. I’ve heard a recording of Barbara speaking, but never seen her on film. Thanks for sharing this story.

By: Edward Mirzoeff

Edward Mirzoeff — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 10:10:04 +0000

I have looked in secondhand bookshops but failed, so far, to find it.

Barbara Jones did an entertaining turn in 1966 on “Choice”, a TV consumer programme I produced for BBC1 in those long-ago days. It examined the cost of funerals, and Barbara Jones looked wittily at shrouds, commenting on them as if at a fashion show. My Head of Department found it ghoulish and wanted to cut it out, but I refused. Fortunately the audience was amused rather than outraged.