They’re also very of the moment. “Recently, there’s been a lot of research into their psychedelic use, as well as a huge interest in them anthropologically because of Anna Tsing’s book The Mushroom At The End Of The World,” explains Gavin. But why are we so fascinated by the appearance of mushrooms? “They’re a symbol of something poetic and otherworldly. They’re a bit weird. And that weirdness is appealing. They can be interpreted in so many different ways,” she says.

Tapping into this surrealism is Seana Gavin (the curator’s sister) whose collage Mindful Mushroom, left, depicts a mushroom-human hybrid. While British designer Tom Dixon harks back to nature with a prototype chair made from mycelium, the thread-like roots mushrooms use to find nutrients.

“Foraging has become much more intertwined with contemporary culture, as we look to find these peaceful moments in the modern world,” Gavin adds. There’s even a burial suit that is designed as a less toxic way to be buried – you literally become mushrooms. We’re all for it.

Mushrooms: The Art, Design And Future Of Fungi is at Somerset House, London, from 30 January to 26 April; free; somersethouse.org.uk

Artwork: Art work: Beatrix Potter Hygrophorus Puniceus, Pencil and watercolour, 7.10.1894, Collected at SmailHolm Tower, Kelso, Courtesy of The Armitt Trust; Seana Gavin, Mindful Mushroom, Courtesy of the artist.

This unique London exhibition explores the weird world of mushrooms