The Project

Set in a disused railway station on the popular Bristol-Bath Railway Path, Mangotsfield Folly is a 12-month programme of creative commissions from emerging and established artists.

This creative programme will be developed around a new folly and outdoor table designed and built by Chippenham-based architects Artel31.

Mangotsfield Folly structure in Bristol

The Folly

The principal structure is sited in the former kitchen garden of the Stationmaster’s house. Designed as a 21st century timber interpretation of Jean Prouve’s pre-fab structures and the New Brutalists’ use of pillar and lintel structural system found throughout modernist architecture.

Internal of Mangotsfield Folly Structure

The Table

The low walls remaining of the historic ticket office still defines a space that entices people to stop and sit. The new table uses the walls to form part of the seating for the table further encouraging conversation and increasing dwell time.

The Benches

Two benches sited opposite each other on the historic platforms, creating new places for passers by to rest. At once isolated by the track and yet intrinsically connected to each other.

The Path

Reintroducing a long-forgotten axis of the historic station and connecting the table to the folly.