Pink Staircase in pastel. An early drawing inspired by a wonderful, derelict Welsh Manor House and former tuberculosis sanitorium called Cefn Mably in South Wales, cruelly destroyed by fire in 1994.
A house of some sort stood on the site in the early 12th century and this was largely rebuilt by Edward Kemeys, High Sheriff of Glamorgan, in the Tudor style in the late 16th century. The east wing was subsequently rebuilt in the Georgian style from 1688. It was described by the Cardiff Times in 1893 as one of the finest and most historic country seats in Wales.Cefn Mably House – Wikipedia
Brian, its loyal caretaker, allowed myself and friends to run riot (in a totally respectful way!) in her halls, and provided me with amazing memories of a truly magical time.
It was my playground, muse, studio and obsession for 3 years and I probably photographed every crumbling corner and rusting tap on my many visits. See them here.
I created a series of pastels around the same time using these photographs. This particular work is set on one of the many staircases.