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. From a young age, his life was split between Southborough in Kent and Shoreditch in East London, following his parents’ separation when he was six years old. This dual existence sparked a curiosity about the contrasts and connections between rural and urban life, themes that would later shape much of his work. His adolescence was marked by an immersion in punk rock, folk music, and art. Interests that would guide his creative path and lead him to study Fine Art at West Kent College and London Metropolitan University. Alongside his visual art practice, Ben has performed in several punk bands, including The Ideots and Thee Spivs, and more recently, he’s focused on a solo acoustic project.
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. These formative experiences, which he describes as 'family lore,' continue to inform his artistic direction. One of his early works, The Animal Handler, was selected for the BP Portrait Award exhibition in 2009 at the National Portrait Gallery. The painting, which features Ben’s grandfather, an animal handler with a passion for exotic pets, marked a pivotal moment in his exploration of the lives of overlooked figures, grounding his practice in storytelling.
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. His debut solo show, Folk Renaissance (2017), at HIX Art Gallery, London, was a natural evolution of these influences, in which he explored themes such as the creative impulse and the personal folklore that shapes who we are as individuals.
A turning point in Ben’s creative journey came during a period of personal struggle. While recovering from chronic depression, he stumbled upon a druid ceremony on Tower Hill, a chance encounter that sparked a deep fascination with the living traditions of British folklore. This “Druidic Epiphany” marked the beginning of a new path of research and artistic exploration. His painting The Spring Equinox, which depicts that moment, was later acquired by the London Museum. In 2021, his exhibition Ritual Britain, a collaboration with the Museum of British Folklore at St Pancras New Church, featured the Frontline Folklore series of twenty paintings and an accompanying documentary film. The exhibition was a major milestone, attracting over 10,000 visitors from diverse backgrounds.
Recently, Ben curated Common Ground at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum in Cheltenham, an exhibition that explores themes of change, loss, rebellion, and reclamation in relation to common land and the natural environment. The exhibition is currently open and will run until August 2025, bringing together contemporary artworks alongside historical artefacts to highlight evolving narratives around land use, defiance, and environmental protection.
Today, Ben’s work continues to explore the evolving relationship between folklore, identity, and the cultural landscape of Britain. His upcoming exhibition, Children of Albion, to be shown at the Fitzrovia Chapel throughout November 2025, delves into the idea of Britain as a multicultural “mongrel” nation, shaped by migration, cultural exchange, and the collective experience of its people. His latest series reflects on how Britain’s diverse heritage, shaped by ancient traditions and modern life, continues to define its evolving identity.
Alongside his visual art, Ben has art-directed music videos and designed artwork for acts like the Fat White Family. 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.
Ben’s debut book, Folklore Rising, was published in October 2024 by Watkins Publishing. Blending memoir and visual art, the book explores the relevance of folklore and ancient wisdom in today’s world, offering a lens through which to view our evolving cultural and spiritual landscape. Through this work, Ben invites readers to reflect on the enduring power of myth, nature, and ritual, and how these forces continue to shape our understanding of identity and place in an ever-changing world.