I know, I know, more photographs of warning signs; seemingly the same ones I previously discussed in relation to Dinefwr Castle. These signs are undeniably part of the heritage experience, yet they also stand as prominent and enduring historic traces of our late 20th and early 21st-century fascination with ruins and their inherent dangers.
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The sheer consistency with which these signs are placed throughout Dolforwyn Castle actually creates a stronger sense of corporate identity for the ruins than any of the official Cadw heritage boards manage to achieve. There’s a strange comfort in their ubiquitous presence. Moreover, they are thoroughly bilingual, catering to both Welsh and English speakers, and delightfully transgender – the sexless figures depicted perpetually fall, silently screaming expletives in both Welsh and English.
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In a stark contrast to the signs’ explicit warnings, I also captured a photograph of a child brazenly disregarding the recommended safety advice. He was scaling the castle walls without any apparent supervision – a clear parental fail in lax safety awareness. This image highlights the tension between official warnings and actual visitor behavior at heritage sites.
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However, one might argue that these signs, in their current form, are somewhat monotonous and predictable. Perhaps Cadw is missing an opportunity here. Imagine if these health and safety signs were creatively combined, updated with more audacious and contemporary elements, and set to a carefully curated dance soundtrack. Could they be transformed into a provocative and edgy new dance craze, one that might just take Welsh nightclubs by storm, much like a viral sensation?
Consider “The Cadw Twerk.” It has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it? Perhaps with the right artist – imagine Nicki Minaj or Miley Cyrus – embracing these moves in a music video, Cadw’s medieval castles could be popularized to an entirely new, younger demographic. And let’s face it, there’s certainly no shortage of weathered stonework for Miley to… interact with.
I’m fairly certain this concept has been thoroughly explored by Cadw heritage management teams in brainstorming sessions. But if not, well, you heard the initial spark of genius right here! This unexpected juxtaposition of historical preservation and modern dance trends, specifically the “Twerk Dancer” aesthetic, might just be the innovative approach needed to engage a broader audience with Welsh heritage.
