From Castle Coch to Pen Blank

How a Welsh Fairytale Castle Inspired a Handmade Pen

One of the joys of being a pen maker is finding inspiration in unexpected places. Sometimes it comes from a striking piece of timber, an unusual acrylic blank, or an idea that refuses to leave your mind. On this occasion, inspiration came from a visit to one of Wales' most remarkable landmarks: Castle Coch.

Discovering Castle Coch

Nestled amongst the wooded hills just north of Cardiff, Castle Coch is often described as a fairytale castle. With its distinctive conical towers, red roofs, and dramatic woodland setting, it looks more like something from a storybook than a medieval fortress.

Although the site originally housed a medieval castle dating back to the 13th century, the building visitors see today is largely the result of a remarkable Victorian reconstruction. During the late 1800s, the castle was transformed under the direction of architect William Burges for John Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Burges was given free rein to create an extravagant Gothic Revival masterpiece, resulting in the stunning building that stands today.

Walking through its richly decorated rooms and climbing its towers, it is easy to understand why Castle Coch is regarded as one of Britain's finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture.

Inspiration Found on the Forest Floor

While exploring the woodland surrounding the castle, I noticed several fallen fir cones scattered beneath the trees. Most visitors would simply walk past them, but as a pen maker, I am always looking at natural materials and wondering what they might become.

I collected a few cones and brought them home with me. At the time, I had no definite plan, but the idea of preserving a small piece of Castle Coch's woodland landscape appealed to me.

The challenge was turning something as delicate as a pine cone into a material suitable for pen making.

Transforming Nature into a Pen

The cones first had to be carefully dried to remove any remaining moisture. Once dry, they were stabilised to strengthen their structure and improve their durability.

After stabilisation, the cones were cast in clear resin. This process preserved their intricate texture while creating a solid blank that could be machined and polished. What began as a simple pine cone on the forest floor gradually became a pen blank with remarkable depth and character.

Turning the blank on the lathe revealed patterns, textures, and details that had previously been hidden. Every section of the cone created a different visual effect, making the finished pen truly unique.

A Pen with a Story

One of the reasons I enjoy making handmade pens is that every piece can tell a story. This particular pen is not simply made from wood or acrylic; it captures a memory of a visit to a fascinating historic site.

When I look at the finished pen, I am reminded of Castle Coch's towering roofs, its woodland setting, and the Victorian imagination that transformed a medieval ruin into a fairytale castle.

The pen serves as a small connection between craftsmanship, history, and nature—three things that continue to inspire many of my creations.

Why Handmade Pens Matter

Mass-produced pens are designed to be identical. Handmade pens are different. Each one reflects the materials used, the decisions made during the crafting process, and often a story that makes it unlike any other.

The Castle Coch pen is a perfect example. No two pine cones are the same, and no two castings are identical. The result is a truly one-of-a-kind writing instrument that could never be replicated exactly.

For me, that's what makes pen-making so rewarding. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere, and sometimes a walk around a beautiful Welsh castle is all it takes to start the journey towards creating something special.