The Mappin family has been associated with the creation of beauty and restoration since the beginnings of Mappin and Webb in 1775.
When the Mappin family acquired Camelot Castle in 1999, as a private family home, a restoration project began that is both special and unique in the history of restoration. Shortly after acquiring the property they decided to open parts of their home to public guests and today staying at Camelot Castle has been described as an opportunity to have a "Downton Abbey Experience for Everyman".
Drawing on the skills of local craftsmen and artisans the restoration of Camelot Castle is being meticulously undertaken and the spectacular results and effects of this restoration can now be seen by everyone.
Perhaps the most interestingly effects are in the lives of many who are coming into contact with this extraordinary restoration project.
The first steps of the Camelot Castle restoration project required extensive research in the local historic archives where the original plans for the Castle were analysed and organised into sec-tions. The family in restoring any property or estate always considers that its important to remain true the original forms and styles. Often, due to works done between initial creation and present time, it is not always easy to see the original forms and what the original creators had in mind for a property. Archival research in this project has been vital and well worth the many research hours that have been put into it.
In the case of Camelot Castle, tremendous care and preparation has been taken both to prepare the underlying infrastructure and the Castle for another two hundred years of service, updating where necessary. We have worked with local tradesmen and international historic restoration experts who have been able to help restore the iconic beauty of parts of the building to their orig-inal glory and indeed in some cases even surpass that beauty while remaining true to principal form.
The Camelot Castle restoration project has resulted in new jobs in the local community and a re-newal and surge in the local village life of Tintagel. Camelot Castle even in its partially restored state ( for this is still a work in progress) welcomes local groups for celebrations and events and has become very popular for village events such as our very well attended annual Christmas Carol Service run by the local Tintagel Male Voice Choir and our Camelot Castle household staff.
When the family acquired the property they appreciated at the time that the funding of the histor-ic restoration that they were planning would extend beyond the income generated from the hotel business and that the high cost of such quality restoration would require new funding.
To restore Camelot Castle to the level that it deserves and that could be appreciated for genera-tions to come would take a new approach to restoration funding.
To that end a percentage of the private Mappin Art Gallery Business and art portfolio was trans-ferred to Camelot Castle and it was agreed by the family that when paintings were acquired by collectors at Camelot Castle, the funds generated would be directed towards restoration in two areas.
1. First and foremost - The physical restoration of Camelot Castle.
2. The rehabilitation, restoration and education of Artists and those with Creative Potential.
For many years John and Irina Mappin have been the Patrons of and indeed 20 years ago discovered Ted Stourton’s artistic genius and ability in the first instance.
They are and have been developing, in partnership with Ted Stourton, “The Ted Stourton Interna-tional Art Brand and Art Studios.”
Thus, it was agreed some years ago that Ted Stourton’s Paintings, when acquired by collectors at Camelot Castle, would help fund the Restoration of Camelot Castle.
And that is why the restoration of the beautifully restored rooms that you sit in today at Camelot Castle have been almost entirely funded by Ted Stourton’s extraordinary creativity. Camelot Castle’s restoration is a direct result and consequence of the Art that has been collected by Ted Stourton’s Collectors.
It is also why many artists and creative people now have found inspiration here as a result of visit-ing Camelot Castle. Or, hearing about our programs, that help artists, have achieved viability and success themselves.
All the art and paintings at Camelot Castle are available for purchase A selection of art is on dis-play throughout the Castle.
For those interested to see the Ted Stourton Public Studios and Galleries that are open to the pub-lic, you can ask for a private personal tour at Camelot Castle’s reception.
The restoration of Camelot Castle is a work in Progress.
There are simply too many people who have helped in this project to thank them all. The local craftsmen and artisans though would be among the top of the list for our praise. We cannot in truth say enough to thank them and to thank our local friends here in Tintagel. But each and everyone who stays at Camelot Castle or visits us here is helping with this restoration in some way and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped. The job is not yet done but we hope you enjoy seeing some of the progress and that you visit us often to see the pro-gress as it unfolds.
Restoration in any field is a noble purpose and in truth it feed the souls of those who embark upon its journey.
“ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL REVELATIONS WHEN UNDERTAKING RESTORATION IS THAT ONE OFTEN RECONTACTS, THROUGH THE PHYSICAL WORK, THE THOUGHTS, DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THOSE WHO CREATED THE LOCATION IN THE FIRST INSTANCE AND ALL THE BEAUTIFUL WISHES OF THOSE WHO HAVE VISITED IT SCINCE ITS CREATION”
“WHAT A BLESSING THAT CAN BE”
John Mappin