An AR reimagining of what Margam Castle’s dining room looked like in the Victorian era. (Credit: Zubr)
Swansea University has played a key role in the launch of a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) app that brings the rich history of Margam Castle to life.
The M[AR]gam app allows visitors to step back into the castle’s Victorian grandeur, acting as a virtual “time machine” – fitting for a former filming location of Doctor Who.
Visitors can use their smart devices to explore two rooms of the castle—the library and dining room—to view accurate digital reconstructions and learn about the lives of the servants and notable guests who occupied them.
For the first time, they can experience the stunning artwork, sculptures, and furnishings that decorated the castle before being lost to a major sale in 1941 and a devastating fire in 1977.
Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the app has been developed by Swansea University in collaboration with Zubr.
It forms part of the Margam Interiors project, a collaboration between the University, Neath Port Talbot Council and the developers of the original concept, CFP Landscape and Heritage Consultants.
The project combines research from local experts, volunteers and history enthusiasts to piece together the castle’s past, serving as a vital resource for M[AR]gam.
Beau Jones, formerly of Swansea University and Margam Interiors Research Officer, said: "From more than 300 pieces of art and sculpture that were sold, we have been able to locate a large proportion, many of which are now located in museums, from The National Gallery in London to the Chrysler Museum of Art in Virginia, U.S.
“Using historic images, sales catalogues, and information from relatives of the Talbot family of Margam, we were then able to locate where artwork would have been displayed. We now know which pieces were in each principal room of the castle, down to their specific location on the wall.”
The project team also recreated other elements of the 19th-century Gothic mansion. This includes the wallpaper, which is based on surviving fragments discovered on the walls, and the lighting; despite being one of the first private residences in Wales to be lit by electricity, photos show standard lamps were used instead of wall lights.
Dr Hilary Orange, Co-Director of CHART (Centre for Heritage Research and Training) and Dr Leighton Evans, a specialist in augmented and virtual reality, led Swansea University’s contribution to the project.
Dr Orange said: “Margam Castle is a remarkable heritage site with great historical significance. We hope the app will enhance the cultural and educational experience of visitors, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the castle’s legacy.”
Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said: “This marks the first time visitors can virtually step back into Margam Castle as it once was — giving an unparalleled glimpse into the past that transforms empty spaces into the vibrant, opulent interiors of the Victorian era.”
Ian Baggott, Managing Director of CFP, said: “Our original idea was that people could virtually experience the lost interiors and hopefully, in the future, explore parts of the castle that have been closed to the public for nearly 50 years. Hopefully, people will view this first stage as a success and will help with future projects at the castle.”
The M[AR]gam app was launched at Margam Castle on Thursday 23 January 2025, and is now available to the public.
Download the M[AR]gam app from the App Store / Google Play Store.
Find out more about the University’s partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council.