A Revival in Gold: Rediscovering 'Bentinck' at St Donat’s Castle
Spring marks a time of renewal - not just in nature, but in design. At Watts 1874, we believe the past offers an extraordinary palette from which to create the future. Few stories embody this more than Bentinck, our classic wallpaper design inspired by a forgotten treasure rediscovered in a clifftop castle.
Painting of St Donats Castle, 1901
A Brief History of St Donat’s Castle
Perched on the edge of the Bristol Channel in the Vale of Glamorgan, St Donat’s Castle dates back to the 12th century, though the site itself traces its roots to a 6th-century monastery. A blend of Norman fortification and later Tudor embellishment, it remains one of Wales’s most captivating historic buildings. Over the centuries, it has played many roles—from family home to school—and even a filming location for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. But in 1907, it offered something quite different: a moment of inspiration.
Watts’ 1907 Visit: A Hidden Wallpaper Unearthed
In the early 20th century, Watts 1874 paid a visit to St Donat’s during a period of renewed interest in the Arts & Crafts and Gothic Revival movements. While surveying the interiors, we uncovered a remarkable wallcovering in what was then known as The Mahogany Chamber—a majestic bedroom framed by rich timber panelling and ecclesiastical proportions.
The wallpaper was designed by the eminent architect G.F. Bodley around 1886, as part of his restoration of the castle. Its sweeping botanical motifs, suggestive of angel wings in motion, were gilded and delicate—almost celestial. A leaf wallpaper unlike any other. This discovery was to become Bentinck.
A Relaunch in Rich New Colours
Moved by the elegance of the original design, we reimagined Bentinck in a series of luxurious gold colourways, breathing new life into its historic roots. From Bond Gold to Damson and Dubai Gold, the refreshed palette captures both the reverence of the original chamber and the richness demanded by modern interiors.
This vintage floral wallpaper now dances with metallic threads and sophisticated depth, suitable for bedroom wallpaper decor, living room wallpaper, or even feature walls in transitional spaces.
The Watts Creative Process: A Legacy of Revival
At Watts 1874, we don’t simply reproduce designs—we revive them. The story of Bentinck is typical of our creative approach: discover a historical gem, study its context, then elevate it for contemporary use without losing its soul. We honour tradition not with replication, but with reverence.
This is why Bentinck remains not just a traditional wallpaper, but a work of art fit for today’s interiors. A large scale wallpaper with all the grandeur of the past, yet perfectly balanced for modern elegance.
How to Use Bentinck Today
Thanks to its bold form and delicate detailing, Bentinck adapts beautifully across a variety of settings. Behind a bed, it becomes a dramatic bedroom wallpaper statement. In dining rooms or hallways, it offers warmth and architectural depth. As botanical wallpaper, it brings a natural elegance into spaces without sacrificing structure or style.
Whether you're after wallpaper with gold accents, a vintage botanical wallpaper, or simply a timeless wallpaper to elevate your home, Bentinck offers a regal solution.
Watts continues to hold Bentinck in stock in several rich finishes, offering swift access to a piece of design history. Available in a range of colourways to suit any scheme, it's a testament to how heritage can live and breathe in our homes today.
Happy Easter – A Story of Revival
As Easter celebrates renewal and light, Bentinck stands as a reminder that even the quietest corners of history hold inspiration for the present. From a forgotten wall in a medieval castle to a modern interior touched by gold, this wallpaper tells a story—not just of design, but of discovery, craftsmanship, and revival.
Happy Easter from all of us at Watts 1874. May your spring be filled with beauty, stories worth telling, and rooms worth remembering.