The Bute Park “People’s Door” competition was launched in October 2010 by the Heritage Lottery funded Bute Park restoration team and local conservation architect Michael Davies, and aimed to revive lost historic features of the park.

It offered people with professional or amateur wood carving skills the opportunity to immortalise their work by designing and carving a wood panel to depict the park’s rich history.

Several historic themes have been explored by the artists including the 17th century ducking stool thought to be used as a punishment to unruly women, the coracle fishers on the River Taff, the old hermitage, and the many industries linked to the park.

The seven successful artists come from across the UK and range from amateurs to professional woodcarvers. They have used their talent and imagination to illustrate important and historical elements of the park.

The eight winning panels will now feature on a large oak square panelled door designed by Cardiff-born architect Michael Davies, which will be the entrance for the new Bute Park Education and Training Centre. It is hoped the imagery on the door will aid people’s learning about the park and will leave a legacy for the future. 

Twelve finalist entries have been on display as part of the Big Little City project in an exhibition on the first floor gallery above the Cardiff Story Museum in the Hayes, and members of the public have been able to vote for their favourite.

The new Education and Training Centre is due to open at the end of the summer and will be situated in the centre of the park.

Positioned discreetly behind a new garden wall along the southern boundary of the horticultural nursery complex, the new building will play on the concept of a secret garden and will become the hub for educational activities in the park.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “The entries we have received have been outstanding and really reflect the history and beauty of one of Cardiff’s most fascinating and iconic parks.

“The “People’s Door” is a piece of art for the people by the people and has given members of the public the chance to have their interpretation of the park immortalised as a legacy for visitors to enjoy for the future. 

“The Bute Park restoration project aims to protect and enhance one of Cardiff’s most cherished and popular attractions and the new Education and Training Centre will provide community groups, schools and local people with the opportunities and resources so they may learn more about the park and its environment.”

Jennifer Stewart, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Wales, which is supporting the restoration of the park with a £3.1m grant, said: “It’s great to see local artists playing their part in taking their local heritage into the future. These fantastic panels inspired by the Park’s history will help tell the story of Bute Park for years to come. We hope they will inspire the people of Cardiff and visitors from further afield to record their own memories of the much-loved park.”

Further information

Contact Cardiff Council Press Officer Danni Janssens on 029 2087 2409 or email djanssens@cardiff.gov.uk. Further details are available on the Bute Park website.