Castle Arts Medieval Heritage Centre

The scheme celebrates Caldicot’s medieval history whilst providing a setting for contemporary arts and crafts. A programme of buildings house a museum and education centre, linked to modern makers’ studios and workshops. Resident artists host contemporary jewellery and pottery-making classes inspired by thousand-year-old practices carried out on the site throughout medieval times. Archaeological relics will be displayed alongside educational information about the area’s important medieval past.

Expansive views across the castle grounds are revealed as visitors move upwards through the floors of the education centre. A spiral staircase provides an upwards journey taking visitors back in time through medieval history. Upon reaching the second floor, outstanding views of the Castle are revealed. Artisan jewellery and pottery makers inhabit private studios in which they practice their crafts.

. A public gallery is used to exhibit artists’ work and acts as a retail space for contemporary ceramics and jewellery. A large workshop space provides opportunity for resident artists to offer weekend classes in pottery- and jewellery-making, inspired by medieval crafts once practiced near the site. A cafe provides visitors and local residents a place to congregate and socialise at the edge of the castle grounds. The centre strengthens Caldicot’s connection to the Castle, grounds and medieval heritage, whilst employment and tourism are bolstered by this new cultural asset.