Cardiff Castle
Ceiling details from the bedroom of the 3rd. Marquess of Bute. The painted and gilded ceiling is inlaid with precious stones and bevelled mirrors to reflect the inscribed Greek lettering when seen from the bed. The letters spell out the name John and refer to John the Baptist (whose sculpture is elsewhere in the room) and the 3rd. Marquess himself. This infinite repetition was designed as an affirmation of faith. Visitors’ heads and our guide’s tie can be seen in the reflections.
Cardiff Castle
Ceiling details from the bedroom of the 3rd. Marquess of Bute. The painted and gilded ceiling is inlaid with precious stones and bevelled mirrors to reflect the inscribed Greek lettering when seen from the bed. The letters spell out the name John and refer to John the Baptist (whose sculpture is elsewhere in the room) and the 3rd. Marquess himself. This infinite repetition was designed as an affirmation of faith. Visitors’ heads and our guide’s tie can be seen in the reflections.