Bradite protects iconic Portmeirion

A unique ‘Mediterranean’ village in North Wales is maximising its appeal to tourists while protecting itself from the elements, thanks to Bradite’s specialist paints.

Portmeirion was designed by visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis after the First World War but it really achieved widespread iconic status when it starred as ‘The Village’ in the 1960s psychological thriller The Prisoner.

Devotees of the television series and the tourists who have flocked there ever since will recall the brightly painted buildings in their many pastel hues.

Bradite, whose factory is located some 35 miles away at Bethesda, Gwynnedd, has been supplying Portmeirion with specialist coatings for a range of tasks since 2000.

Although the Italianate-style buildings were always captured on film in perfect, sun-drenched conditions, the village’s North Wales location on the Dwyryd River, east of Ceredigion Bay, necessitates year-round, all-weather protection.

Most recently, a variety of locations have been treated with products from the Bradite catalogue.

“The quality of the paint stands up well against the elements” says Portmeirion’s Head Painter and Decorator, Martin Couture. “It is used on the sea wall and is exposed all year round.”

“Clough started off with mineral paint” says Martin, who has helped maintain the village for the past 40 years. “This Bradite paint is the nearest we can get to that, keeping as close to Clough’s vision as possible.”

The most recent work has included the sea defence wall, the walls leading back to the village from the swimming pool, the pool itself and the wishing well.

The outdoor swimming pool and surround has been protected with Bradite CC24 Chlorinated Rubber in Eggshell finish. The pool surround has been given Bradite’s SA12 Low-Slip Aggregate for improved safety.

The choice of appropriate products has resulted from discussions between Martin and Bradite. “The staff and service in Bethesda is fantastic,” he says.

As one of the top tourist attractions in Wales, the village entertains around 200,000 visitors a year, some on day trips, others staying in one of two four-star hotels, cottages or apartments dotted around the site. Unlike the ‘residents’ in the original tv series these visitors are free to come and go as they wish!

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