Neo-Jacobean Gateway and Adjoining Walls to the NE of the Central Piazza

Cadw's description

Location

Defining the Central Piazza on the NE side, between the Gloriette and the Bristol Colonnade.

History

Portmeirion was designed and laid out by the celebrated architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) following his purchase of the estate, then called Aber Iâ, in 1926. The village evolved over several decades and was still being added to in the 1970s.

These walls partly date from the mid 1930s and defined the central village space which at that time was partly occupied by a tennis court. The area was restructured between 1964 and 1965 when the Gloriette and Central Piazza were created; the C19 Jacobean-style arch appears to have been erected as part of this remodelling.

Exterior

Rubble wall, approimately 2m high on the road side and 3m high on the Piazza side; connecting the Gloriette with the Colonnade. At a short distance to the E of the Gloriette the wall is punctuated by a well-detailed neo-Jacobean archway, with rusticated arch having entablature with strapwork cartouche over and flanking obelisk finials. A flight of 8 stone slab steps leads down to the Central Piazza through the archway from the road. The walls slope up to the arch on either side and have stone surmounting ball finials at their highest point. Between this archway and the Colonnade to the SE is a break in the wall with a wrought-iron balcony and flanking square piers; these are surmounted by stone ball finials.

Reason for designation

Listed as one of a number of buildings and structures erected by the eminent architect and conservationist Sir Clough Williams-Ellis for his visionary Portmeirion villiage.

Group value with other listed items at Portmeirion.