The Castles of Wales: These 19th Century-Old Landscape Pictures of Wales Are Fascinating!

These wonderful "photochrom" pictures were shot in Wales at the end of the 19th century, from between 1890 and 1900. They were originally published by the Detroit Publishing Company after being created by image-makers fascinated by the nation's castles and sweeping landscapes. Each picture starts as a black and white negative and each new color was added using a different asphalt-coated lithographic stone.

The result is a cross between a photograph and a painting that depicts famous Welsh castles and landscapes in a unique way.

Like postcards, the photochroms feature subjects that appeal to travelers, including landscapes, architecture, street scenes, and daily life and culture. The prints were sold as souvenirs and often collected in albums or framed for display.