To celebrate the bicentenary of Cyfarthfa, the Cyfarthfa Foundation have worked with renowned South Wales illustrator Jack Skivens to create a new illustrated map of Cyfarthfa Park and Castle.
The map is a vibrant and detailed tribute to the cultural, leisure and recreational highlights of this historic site.
The illustration captures the essence of Cyfarthfa in a playful and family-friendly way that has been designed to support new activities across the site, for example the recent Easter Trail organised by the Cyfarthfa Foundation, attended by over 300 people. The map highlights Cyfarthfa’s iconic castle, the lush expanse of the park, and the diverse range of plants, trees, and wildlife that thrive there, including majestic conifers, flowering shrubs, birds, and woodland creatures, bringing the natural environment vividly to life.
Commissioned as a visual celebration of Cyfarthfa’s 200th birthday, the artwork emphasizes the significance of the castle and park both as a symbol of the area’s industrial heritage and as a cherished community space. It highlights key assets and attractions including the miniature railway, greenhouses, Oriel Bothy Gallery, Canolfan Café and Rose Retreat Spa. It also showcases iconic park features and local wayfinders such as wooden sculptures, willow animals, the fountain, and the bandstand.
The artwork beautifully showcases Jack’s signature style and artistic flair, known for its intricate detail, vivid storytelling and ability to draw on local knowledge.
Jess Mahoney, Chief Executive of Cyfarthfa Foundation, said:
‘We are thrilled to have worked with Jack to create this gorgeous new map of the site in its 200th year. The illustration draws attention to the full scale of the park and the diversity of its various assets and attractions. As such, it will encourage visitors and locals alike to fully explore Cyfarthfa and appreciate the historical, natural and cultural treasures that make the site a unique landmark in South Wales. We can’t wait to start sharing this fantastic map with our community. Do also keep an eye on our social channels for special seasonal editions of the map in the future that will help us celebrate Cyfarthfa all year round’.
For a postcard of the illustration, visit the Cyfarthfa Foundation stand on the castle forecourt during the Birthday Weekend (July 5th and 6th).