IN TRUST: inhabiting Wales’ stories

2016, May 11

Author: Artūras Valiauga

Every story has the end, but the end of one story means the beginning of another one. And depending on the story teller or the rules of storytelling, “unnecessary” details are left behind and detracting circumstances are ignored. Some say that ignorance is bliss. Though, usually the most intriguing are details of daily life, which allow a listener to feel a personal part of that story.

Mansions and castles which have long since outlived those that built them. Treasures inside become silent witness of the history of the nation’s identity. In today’s global Europe, mansions which used to symbolize political and economic power loses their primary and main function – to separate one’s own from that of strangers, private from public.

Titles and riches collected thanks to slavery and successful trade as well as development of industry in the colonies enabled the owners to manage huge estates and accumulate collections of arts and valuables. For a long time, they were private centers for the elite.

Today, in the system of democracy, mansions might become a financial burden to their heirs. Castles and palaces as the symbols of society’s identity are turned into public places and become a space held in for the nation, where distant history and private stories might become part of national pride and exclusiveness. As well as an expression of glory past and personal dignity.

Mansions and castles require daily toil and fidelity of the citizens who serve  them.

History is being recycled by their staff members, volunteers and visitors. And artists as well… So, history becomes a story.

Tags: Artūras Valiauga, National Trust