The Castles of Wales: These 19th Century-Old Landscape Pictures of Wales Are Fascinating!

These wonderful "photochrom" pictures were shot in Wales at the end of the 19th century, from between 1890 and 1900. They were originally published by the Detroit Publishing Company after being created by image-makers fascinated by the nation's castles and sweeping landscapes. Each picture starts as a black and white negative and each new color was added using a different asphalt-coated lithographic stone.

The result is a cross between a photograph and a painting that depicts famous Welsh castles and landscapes in a unique way.


Like postcards, the photochroms feature subjects that appeal to travelers, including landscapes, architecture, street scenes, and daily life and culture. The prints were sold as souvenirs and often collected in albums or framed for display.

 
Aberystwyth Castle

 

 
Penrhyn Castle, Bangor

 

 
Beaumaris Castle, Banqueting Hill

 

 
Caerphilly Castle

 

 
Cardiff Castle from the East

 

Cardiff Castle from the South East

 

Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthen

 

 
Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthen

 

Caernarfon Castle, General View End

 

Caernarfon Castle, General View

 

Caernarfon Castle, General View at Sunset

 

Caernarfon Castle Interior Looking East

 

Conwy Castle and Suspension Bridge

 

Entrance to Conwy Castle

 

Cricieth Castle from The Parade

 

Denbigh Castle

 

Harlech Castle

 

Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis

 

Llanstefan Castle

 

Pembroke Castle

 

 
Rhuddlan Castle, Rhyl

 

 
Tenby Castle