Comments on: St Donat’s chandelier

By: Alan Hall

Alan Hall — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:42:53 +0000

As a member of staff of Atlantic College I lived at St Donat’s Castle for 32 years and rewrote the castle guidebook.
I believe that this chandelier was a Hearst introduction, as the coats-of-arms visible on it do not relate to any of the families who owned the castle - Stradling (c.1298-1738), Tyrwhitt and Tyrwhitt-Drake (1738-1862), Carne (1862-1901) or Williams of Aberpergwm (1901-1922). It is most unlikely to have been introduced by Richard Pennoyer (1922-5) whose finances were relatively straitened.
As the CADW contributor suggests, the Hearst archives in the National Magazine Company would probably be the best source of information. The Burrell Collection in Glasgow has a large display of architectural material which formerly belonged to Hearst, including items of the same provenance as the stone screen in the Dining Hall at St Donat’s - they might also be worth contacting.
Alan Hall

By: CADW

CADW — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:47:39 +0000

Please note the comment below from one of our building inspectors, he refers to further sources that could help with your research. Hope you find it helpful. Amy Smith (CADW)

This looks like a Gothic Revival chandelier, but whether it belongs to the Hearst period at St Donat’s or earlier is hard to say; perhaps the scale impies that it is from then. It’s nothing like any other Gothic Revival chandeliers in any of the books in our library. In Clive Aslett’s book “The Last Country houses” (Yale 1982), there is a section on St Donat’s with photographs showing smaller chandeliers, one of them described as “medievalising” ie “trying to be medieval”. Some of these photos are credited to “Country Life”, the magazine which has charted the grand houses of Britain for over a century, and has a remarkable archive. No dates are given for the photos however.
The same book says that the Hearst papers belonging to St Donat’s are in the library of the National Magazine Co, London, still a Hearst Company according to its website. The papers are described as consisting “literally of crateloads of archival material” which brings to mind the last shots of “Citizen Kane” of course. Hope this may provide some leads.

By: Cathy Tabor

Cathy Tabor — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:17:26 +0000

Several have advised to contact Atlantic College. We have and they said they couldn’t help us because they didn’t have any pictures of St. Donat’s before Atlantic College. I have been in contact with them already. This chandelier is rivited together. If anyone would like to see close ups of the chandelier and different views, I would gladly share our pictures with them. Every design that was used was of tudor archetecture. We feel this chandelier is trying to tell a story of a certain place and people. Thanks, Cathy Tabor The chandelier resides in my father and Patte’s house in Bourg, Louisana

By: Furniture From Home

Furniture From Home — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:09:52 +0000

Hearst had amazing taste in furniture and homes. What a beautiful chandelier! Hearst castle in California is a must see. Absolutely gorgeous.

By: ArtMan

ArtMan — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:31:11 +0000

Not really within my area of expertise, but apparently a mid C19 gothic revival object. The arms don’t include those of Stradling, and look odd so they may perhaps be imaginary or foreign. The chandelier is very unlikely to have been made in Wales, and may not be English either. Atlantic College may be able to advise you whether it appears in any photographs of St Donat’s Castle during the Hearst period.

By: Renee Godfrey - Atlantic College Development Office

Renee Godfrey - Atlantic College Development Office — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:07:37 +0000

I have been doing a little digging to find out more about the chandelier that you mention.

I am still waiting on a member of staff who has been at St Donats for 40 years or so and is subsequently the font of all knowledge. I will pass on his findings when he gets back to me.

For now, this is what I have come up with:
The Librarian at the St Donats who has access to all sorts of history books says that she is unable to find that exact chandelier in her resources - not in any Hearst or pre-Hearst pictures that she has. The bottom-right hand coat of arms is similar to that of Lady Agnes Gage, Sir Edward Stradling’s wife (d.1609) but does not look quite right.

Having spoken to another member of staff, I would imagine that as the chandelier is 7 ft high, it must have been placed in the Bradenstoke, Great Hall or Library or, perhaps at a push, the Dante Room. Anywhere else would have been too low.

I hope that this helps for the moment. If I can be of any more help please do let me know.
Also, I will be in touch when I have more news.

By: Frances Foster

Frances Foster — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:57:20 +0000

I would advise you to contact Cadw as the building (now Atlantic College) is a Grade 1 listed building, Record Number 13325. I would also refer you to a book called “The Story of St Donat’s Castle and Atlantic College”, edited by Roy Denning, 1983, ISBN 0
905928 26 1.

It might also be useful to contact Atlantic College directly as they may have early images of the interior of the castle and its furnishings. I hope you will find these suggestions useful and contact us again if we can be of further help.

Yours sincerely
Frances Foster
Llyfrgell a Gwasanaethau Darllenwyr CHCC - Cofnod Henebion Cenedlaethol Cymru NMRW Library and Reader Services - National Monuments Record of Wales
Comisiwn Brenhinol Henebion Cymru (CBHC) Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) Plas Crug Aberystwyth Ceredigion

By: Dr Hugh Stradling

Dr Hugh Stradling — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:32:17 +0000

Hi There!
Any chance of seeing the various coats of arms - I have access to those that were associated with the Stradling family at St Donats by marriage. If they are relevant, it would lend support to its having been at St Donats.
Best wishes, Hugh