Liverpool Rotunda

Eye-catching community garden folly

For the 2008 Liverpool Biennial -International Festival of Contemporary Art- GROSS. MAX. was commissioned to install a public artwork at a strip of derelict land outside the Rotunda Community College in Kirkdale.  The garden is divided into two parts: a folly facing the grade II listed Georgian Terrace of the Rotunda Community College and a “Bar-Code” community garden. The folly is inspired by the folly of all follies, the broken column at the 18th century   Désert de Retz. The structure is rusted metal mesh and steel columns and supports a vertical garden inside. The Folly originally intended as temporary structure has become a loved eye catcher for the community centre as used for activities and events.      The ‘Bar Code” garden is be tended by community groups creating a multi-textured environment. The Folley Garden was designed closely with the Community College members and volunteers in a series of workshops and festive community events. The gardens opened to public delight on 28 April 2008. Ten years after proposals were put forward by Rotunda Community College to upgrade the folly with an all-weather fixed “Green roof” and extended gardens.