If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know I love Lego! Last year I designed some Lego Minifigures based on Castell Coch characters. Earlier this year I wondered if I could actually build some “BrickHeadz” inspired MOCs for the same characters. Lego “BrickHeadz” is a popular theme that launched at retail in 2017 with a Batman …
Castell Coch contains ten stained glass windows that were originally housed in a wooden chapel. This part of the castle was demolished but the glass panels are now on display in the Well Tower. One of the stained glass windows depicts the patron saint of Wales, St David. He’s shown standing on a hill with …
If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know I love Lego! A few months ago I was inspired to illustrate a Lego Minifigure. I quickly got carried away and decided to see if I could design a Minifig based around Castell Coch. I started with Lady Bute. After finishing this first illustration, I knew I was …
Castell Coch is famous for its spectacular interiors. I’ve decided to illustrate the stencils, murals and patterns that decorate Cardiff’s iconic Gothic Revival landmark. Part 1 and Part 2 of this series have already featured some beautiful designs. Lady Bute’s Bedroom The first patterns I’ve recreated for this instalment are prominent in Lady Bute’s bedroom. …
More than ten years after publishing my first story about a Lego Castell Coch model, I’m excited to share another beautiful creation from a talented Lego builder. Antonio Mortola shared some pictures on social media last year and I recently got in touch to find out more about his work and this amazing model. Antonio’s …
I’ve been aware of Mary Traynor’s work for a number of years but only recently picked up a copy of her book about Cardiff. It includes a chapter dedicated to Castell Coch with a couple of paintings by Mary. “Mary Traynor was born in China in 1934 and studied at Goldsmith’s, Birmingham College of Art …
I’ve already shared a few illustrations of Castell Coch in the 18th and 19th centuries. This watercolour by John Warwick Smith is another fascinating glimpse of the original castle in its ruined state. From the terrain, it looks like this is the view looking north east. Ivy appears to be growing out of each tower …
John Hassell was an English watercolour landscape painter, engraver, illustrator, writer and publisher. “The Beauties of Antiquity Or Remnants of Feudal Splendour and Monastic Times” was published in 1806 and contains a fantastic illustration of Castell Coch. There’s a short description of the castle and some of its history. The magnificence of its front is …
I’m really pleased to share the art of Gary Yeung after he recently posted a fantastic illustration of Castell Coch for the popular #inktober2023 drawing challenge. I’ve been following him online for a while and got in touch when I realised he’s produced quite a few pieces featuring the castle. I asked Gary to tell …
“Letters Describing a Tour Through Part of South Wales” was written by Armand-Louis-Bon Maudet, Comte de Penhouët (1764 – 1839) and published in 1797. The book is a collection of letters written to an anonymous lady and “sketches of every object that had attracted my attention.” The Breton aristocrat was in exile in Britain because …
