Special Interest Day – William Burges, ‘Art – Architect’ – the man who re-created Cardiff Castle

About

Perhaps the strangest and most fascinating architect and designer of his time, William Burges received the commission of his life when he was approached by the 3rd Marquess of Bute to transform Cardiff Castle into a Victorian gothic fantasy. The men first met in Cardiff in 1865 and the result of their collaboration was truly unique. Their joint vision created the feudal extravaganza of painted murals, stained glass, gilding and sculpture we see today.

In an all-day event, Matthew Williams, the Castle’s curator, examines Burges’s achievements in Wales, England and Ireland. Working with a long-standing team of craftsmen, Burges designed not only buildings but also decoration, furniture, textiles, jewellery and metalwork. His extraordinary talent echoes the Pre-Raphaelites and heralded the Arts and Crafts Movement.

This Special Interest Day illustrates Burges’s illustrious career in a series of lecture sessions. Morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea are included in the cost of the day.