Explore myth and mystery at Wycombe Museum’s new year-long exhibition

Zoe Gater

Fractured Land Collective return to Wycombe Museum with Truth or Folly, a year-long exhibition blending local folklore, hidden histories and imagined narratives through newly commissioned artworks inspired by the mysteries of Castle Hill House and its surrounding landscape.

Following the success of their award-winning 2024 exhibition, Fractured Land Collective present their second major show, Truth or Folly, at Wycombe Museum.

Supported by Arts Council England through a National Lottery Project Grant and Buckinghamshire Council’s Opportunity Bucks programme, Truth or Folly runs from Tuesday 17 March 2026 to Sunday 28 February 2027.

Set within the historic grounds of Castle Hill House, the exhibition explores mysterious, half-known and often overlooked stories rooted in the site and its surrounding landscape.

Drawing on local social histories, folklore and imagined narratives, the artists reveal hidden stories that blur the boundaries between fact and fiction, creating alternative timelines and speculative myths.

The exhibition features newly commissioned work by collective members Lian Chan, Ellie Laycock, Jane Peacock, Ellie Reid and Caroline Thomson, spanning painting, sculpture, print, photography and sonic art.

Their inspiration ranges from nearby Saxon burial grounds and the legendary Hellfire Caves to ancient woodlands and the eccentric architectural history of Castle Hill House, alongside tales of giants, ghosts and imagined UFO landings.

Through these works, Truth or Folly encourages visitors to see familiar places in new ways—as landscapes alive with memory, mystery and untold stories.

Alongside the exhibition, a curated programme of workshops, talks and film screenings will run throughout the year, with visitor-created contributions gradually becoming part of the evolving display.

Museum Director Roz Currie said: “The museum’s home is shrouded in mystery. We’re thrilled to host Fractured Land Collective and to see how their art interprets the fascinating stories of Castle Hill House.

“The Truth or Folly exhibition and its fantastic programme of events will make a wonderful addition to Wycombe Museum’s programme for 2026.”

Entry to the exhibition and the rest of the museum is free.

For more information and the full programme, visit the Wycombe Museum website.

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