The Mushroom has an interesting role in the life of vegetables – good, serious, spiritual and sinister – with a unique place in our culture from the joys of ‘magic mushrooms’, a place on which elves and fairies sit, a leading role within ‘Alice of Wonderland’, an ability to spring up overnight in dark places and on damp walls, and then there are those few of the 200 different mushrooms which, if eaten, can kill and thus make an appearance in Agatha Christie mysteries.

At Somerset House’s new exhibition ‘Mushrooms: The Art, Design and Future of Fungi’ work from 40 artists and designers illustrate different characteristics of the humble mushroom, including illustrations by Beatrix Potter, John Cage’s mushroom book of recipes, Simon Popper’s collection of mushroom stamps from around the world, Seana Gavin’s fascinating futuristic mushroom cities and fashion accessories by Anelia Hoitink and Kristel Peters.  Is there any other vegetable that has such a fan base?