Portmeirion
Photos from a trip to the North West corner of Wales taking in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Snowdonia.
Portmeirion was built to show how you could develop a naturally beautiful setting without spoiling it and that with sufficient skill and care architectural good manners can actually enhance the natural environment.
It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975.
Portmeirion is often referred to as the “Italian Village”. It is suggested to be based on Portofino in Italy, but their website and literature don’t make reference to this and indeed Williams-Ellis is quoted as denying it, stating that it pays tribute to the atmosphere of the Mediterranean.
Portmeirion is a hotel resort and a popular visitor attraction located on the coast of Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd, North Wales. I have to say it is a bit different, certainly from the culture of that area. It can be hired for weddings and in addition to the hotel there is other holiday accommodation available.
The following shot was enhanced slightly using a processing technique known as “tone mapping” to give it a bit more drama and pop.
This photo may be considered by some to be of the Portmeirion “lighthouse” but I think the Goleudy Lighthouse that is part of the complex is further along the shore from this and I don’t have any images of it. This is more of a boathouse/tower/jetty.
The resort has been used to film television series and movies, including “The Prisoner” starring Patrick McGoohan.
The day these images were shot had blustery weather meaning that there was quickly changing light with mixed sunshine and cloudy conditions, but I managed to get a few sunnier ones.
It certainly is a taste of the Mediterranean, even if the weather doesn’t quite match.
There is an admission fee to the resort but the good news is that the parking is free.
There is more information about visiting the resort on their official website, although not much more information on the resort itself.
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All the photographs were taken by Scottish photographer Norman Young and are copyright ©.
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Super photos, Norman – and they remind me of a family visit there when the children were young. Can you imagine a firework display with orchestral accompaniment there? It was spectacular but a bit too much for my youngest, then about 2 years old!
Thanks Judy. It is a setting that would lend itself to all sorts of activity. Fireworks and music would be finishing touches.