A large collection of Victorian tiles will be brought back into public view after almost four decades, following a real-life historical jigsaw puzzle, which has taken place in Bute Park.
Approximately 1,500 loose tiles dating back to the late 1800’s, were valiantly lifted and recovered from the Blackfriars Friary site in 1977 by members of the Victorian Society and have lay in storage ever since.
Cardiff Council were joined by volunteers from the Bute Park Friends Group and original members of the team who first lifted the tiles, to carry out the task of putting them back together again ready for a new home.
The project will see the 125 year old artefacts being relayed in the near-by West Lodge building, which is currently undergoing a transformation as a tea room. Their new home will see them out of the elements and in a more protected environment where members of the public will be able to enjoy them once again.
It is hoped they can be successfully laid in a revised layout to depict the spirit of the original Victorian design.
The Blackfriars site, which is situated in the west of Bute Park, dates back to the 12th Century and is deemed to be one of the most important friary sites in Wales.
After it was handed over to the crown in 1538 and dissolved along with all other monasteries, the site was plundered and the foundations were not discovered until the 19th Century when the Marquess of Bute was renovating his gardens.
It was then excavated and interpreted using modern materials and opened to the public as a feature in the Castle grounds.
The refurbishment of West Lodge is due to be completed in spring and is part of the Bute Park Restoration Project.
The well-known landmark, located on Castle Street opposite the Holiday Inn hotel, will soon boast a traditional tea room, outdoor seating area, small gift shop and improved surrounding landscape area. It will also provide additional public toilets within the park.
The development is part of the £5.6m Bute Park restoration project which is supported by a £3.1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “This is a hugely exciting project which will see a piece of Cardiff’s rich history left as a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
“These unique tiles tell a story and it is fantastic that they will be used as one of the beautiful features of the new West Lodge tea room.
“Bute Park plays an important role in the make-up of Cardiff and is an invaluable recreational space right at the heart of the city. When completed, West Lodge will be an asset to the park providing many new opportunities.”
