Ben Edge (b. 1985, Croydon) is an artist based in North London whose work explores the connections between folklore, identity, nature, and oral storytelling traditions. In his figurative art, Ben explores the richness of British folklore and the way it re-enchants the landscape, uncovers hidden stories and shapes, and reflects the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. His paintings and films dive into the deep currents of myth, story, and memory, with his interests originating from his childhood, surrounded by eccentric relatives who shared remarkable tales about their lives and experiences. Ben’s work is characterised by its precision and clarity, reflecting his deep respect for craft and detail. He draws influence from Folk Art, Naive Art, and the Northern Renaissance, all of which provide the foundation for his meticulous painting style.
Solo exhibitions include Children of Albion, Fitzrovia Chapel, London, UK (2025); British Folk Paintings, The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History, London, UK (2023); Ritual Britain, Ben Edge and the Museum of British Folklore, curated by Simon Costin, The Crypt Gallery, St Pancras New Church, London, UK (2021); Ritual Britain, curated by David Harrson, Cubitt Gallery & Studios, London, UK (2019); Life Retraced, Mr Fogg’s Residence, London, UK (2018); Folk Renaissance, HIX ART, London, UK (2017).
Group Exhibitions include (Upcoming) Tainted Love, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London, UK (2026); Every Step of the Way, The Arc, Winchester, UK (2025); Common Ground, Wilson Gallery & Museum, Cheltenham Trust, UK (2025); Return of the Black Shuck and Friends, The Bell Gallery, Bungay Suffolk, UK (2024); Animal Guising and the Kentish Hooden Horse, Maidstone Museum, Kent, UK (2023); Art On A Postcard, Fascinating Figuration, curated by Jack Trodd (2023); Cubitt 30, Victoria Miro Gallery, London, UK (2022); Once Upon a Time, 23-25 Chiltern St, London, UK (2022); Double Dog Studios, Pittsburgh, USA (2022); Royal Academy Summer Show, The Royal Academy, London, UK (2022); The Smoke, Terrace Gallery, London, UK (2021); Queer as Folklore, Gallery 46, London, UK (2021); Art On A Postcard Summer Exhibition, Hoxton Gallery, London, UK (2021); Estival, Meta Gallery, Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK (2021); Silent Slips, James Freeman Gallery, London, UK (2020); A Horse’s Head in the Frost, Chepstow Museum, Chepstow, Wales (2019-2020); Art On A Postcard, Old Spitalfields Market, London, UK (2019); Cubitt Open Studios, London, UK (2019); Lore of the land, Churchgate Gallery, Somerset, UK (2018); Mayfair Art Weekend, Browns Hotel, London, UK (2017); The Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize, Piano Nobile, Kings Place, London, UK (2015); Contemporary folklore, duo show with Ben Westley Clarke, Leyden Gallery, London, UK (2015); Nuance outcasts, Angus Hughes Gallery, London, UK (2014); Black Xmas, Signal Gallery, London, UK (2012); Punk and Beyond, Signal Gallery, London, UK (2011); BP Portrait Award, National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK; Southhampton City Art Gallery, Southampton, UK; National Portrait Gallery, London, UK (2009-2010).
Highlights
Recently, Ben Edge curated Common Ground at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum in Cheltenham, bringing together contemporary artworks alongside historical artefacts to highlight evolving narratives around land use, defiance, and environmental protection. Edge was shortlisted for highly acclaimed rewards including the Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize in 2015 and the BP Portrait Award in 2009. Alongside his visual art, Ben has art-directed music videos and designed artwork for acts. His musical endeavours continue with the release of two albums, New Tradition (2021) and Children of Albion (2025), both available on Glass Modern Records, showcasing his ongoing exploration of folk traditions through song.