The Gazing Ball by Lucy + Jorge Orta

The Gazing Ball

With fantastic views across to Octagon Tower, one of the original follies, The Gazing Ball will be in prime position for a unique view of the water garden.

The site of the second installation for folly! 2018 is the Banqueting House lawn, where the Rotundo, a classical Ionic temple folly designed as a focus for distant views once stood.

The Gazing Ball sat up on the Rotundo
The Gazing Ball sat up on the Rotundo
The Gazing Ball sat up on the Rotundo

The Gazing Ball by Lucy + Jorge Orta 

‘The Gazing Ball’ offers a dazzling reflection of the moon ponds and mirrored waters of Studley Royal; a 4m tall pentagonal steel sculpture with multiple windows of different shapes, referencing architectural details of the former folly and presenting picture-perfect framed views across the gardens to the gothic Octagon Tower opposite. The sculpture will be crowned by a chrome sphere which will catch the light and play with the reflected views of the water garden.  

Lucy + Jorge Orta have designed 'The Gazing Ball' for folly! 2018
Lucy + Jorge Orta
Lucy + Jorge Orta have designed 'The Gazing Ball' for folly! 2018
The Gazing Ball will sit at the site of the lost Rotundo folly
Historic image of the Banqueting House and Rotundo at Studley Royal
The Gazing Ball will sit at the site of the lost Rotundo folly
Polly sits high up on Tent Hill

Discover folly 2018! 

The National Trust’s contemporary art programme folly! is back for 2018, bigger and bolder than ever. Celebrating the playful, whimsical style of Studley Royal water garden, the four designs which will bring fresh colour and curiosity to the landscape in April have been revealed.

Discover folly!

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