Ah, London. A city of history, grandeur, and… a failed Eiffel Tower rival? Meet Watkins Folly, also known as the London Stump, the 19th-century engineering dream that never quite made it past 47 meters before fizzling out in a spectacular tale of financial woes and marshy ground. Planned in 1892 as Britain’s bold response to Paris’ iron giant, this architectural wonder-that-wasn’t remains a fascinating chapter in London’s history.
Our high-quality vintage print brings back to life this forgotten masterpiece from the Catalogue of 68 Competitive Designs for the Great Tower of London (1890)—a competition that brought us everything from sensible steel structures to downright absurd ideas (looking at you, “aerial colony” with hanging vegetable gardens). While Design No. 37 won the prize, Watkins’ grand ambition ended up as Wembley Park’s favorite unfinished attraction—until it was unceremoniously blown up in 1904.
This rare historical poster is a perfect gift for architecture lovers, London history buffs, or anyone who appreciates the fine line between genius and folly. Hang it in your study, home office, or gallery wall, and let it be a timeless conversation starter—because what’s more British than celebrating something that almost happened but didn’t?
A. Print only
- premium museum-quality prints
- paper weight: 200 gsm / 80 lb
- every print ships ready to frame
B. Foam Board
Foam board is an incredibly versatile material. It has a lightweight yet strong construction, making it ideal for our poster boards. Its smooth texture enhances details and intensifies the image’s natural beauty.
- easy stick on and take off the wall
- strong, rigid and amazingly lightweight
- mounting kit included
Want to explore more visions of London’s almost Eiffel Tower? Check out our full collection of Great Tower of London designs here.
We produce our items on demand at over 100 locations worldwide, minimizing waste, reducing costs, and lowering carbon emissions. This allows us to deliver high-quality products quickly, no matter where you are—North America or beyond.
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