'Fifteen views illustrative of a tour to Hafod in Cardiganshire' by J. E. Smith (1810), front cover [image 1 of 46]

Description

The full title of this volume is as follows: 'Fifteen views illustrative of a tour to Hafod in Cardiganshire, the seat of Thomas Johnes Esq., MP' by J. E. Smith (1810). The Plates which appear in the volume are copies made by J. C. Stadler (fl. 1780-1812) of original drawings by the artist John Smith. The tour begins in London, following the road to Bath and Bristol, before travelling through Chepstow, passing Tintern Abbey and Radnor en route to mid Wales. In addition to describing the house and gardens at Hafod, the author journeys to the nearby Rheidol Valley and the village of Devil's Bridge.

Thomas Johnes inherited the dilapidated Hafod estate on his father's death in 1780. He travelled from his parents' home in Herefordshire to Cwmystwyth and immediately fell in love with the scenery. He soon began on his ambitious scheme to transform the estate. He built a new mansion, and created new avenues, gardens and landscapes. The Hafod estate soon became a popular destination for visitors and travellers.

Source: Peter Lord, 'Imaging the Nation: The Visual Culture of Wales, Vol. 2' (Cardiff, 2000).