Inspired by his travels abroad, and by the popularity of the works of Emile Prisse d’Avennes, the chief architect of Cardiff Castle William Burges decided to create a lavish room in which guests could be entertained, and to be used by the ladies of the family as a smoking room (back when men and women were expected to smoke in different rooms). Built and coloured in a Moorish design, the ceiling you see here took 16 years to complete from 1865 to 1881, although the final design was selected rather late in the project. In addition to fine paints, the golden effect that you see is actually gold leaf, and the value of the ceiling has been placed at £8m ($10.2m) today.

Sadly, Burges would die before he could see his masterpiece completed, and following his death his subordinate William Frame oversaw the completion of the project, alongside painter H. W. Lonsdale. At the room’s completion, an ornate fireplace was placed into the room as a memorial to Burges’ work throughout the castle.

Hope you enjoy!