Gallery Footings

Immediately north of the animal wall is a large concrete footing which was constructed  in 1937  to create a private art gallery within the castle grounds. The original structure was designed by F. R. Bates of Newport.

It was the intention of the castle’s owner, the 4th Marquess of Bute (1881 – 1947), to display a collection of paintings associated with his Glamorgan estates here.

Extensive plans were drawn up and it was proposed to incorporate West Lodge as part of the gallery.  The foundations were laid but work on the Gallery was interrupted by the 2nd world war, and never completed.

In 1947 the castle and part of the grounds were handed over to the City of Cardiff by the Bute Family.

In the early 1950’s the council considered reviewing the scheme, but it was thought that the proximity to the River Taff might cause problems in the event of flooding.