We aim to feature as global and engaging a range of images as possible, together with references to related literature, in order to enrich our understanding of how jesters have been perceived and portrayed.  Once we have some critical mass, we will make this a searchable resource, as well as a feast for the eyes and mind.

As we adore alliteration (and top marks), we employ a triple-A formula:

Ambitious – does it contribute to making this the world’s most comprehensive visual array of fools and their like?  We actively seek diversity across time, space and medium.  

Available – does it exist?  For example, a European fool-fad lasting centuries led to miles of materials, whereas in China visual depictions are thinner on the ground.  This means the Fooleum will likely have a stronger European flavour and fewer Chinese examples than we’d like. 

Accessible – is it digitally and otherwise accessible?  We begin with images in the public domain, or generously released for research or educational purposes.  Luckily, many great museums are in full-throttle digitisation mode (applause, applause).

In sum, there is no better time to be alive if you are developing a world-spanning repository of fooldom on a shoestring.  And by the time we’ve featured the affordable images, sponsors will be queueing up to lavish their largesse on other acquisitions.