Author • Cultural Historian • Speaker
Mark Rees is a Welsh cultural historian, author and journalist with more than 20 years’ experience writing about the arts. A qualified art historian, he is currently researching a PhD in Gothic visual culture, with a focus on the long nineteenth century in Wales and beyond.
From Picasso to poltergeists, his work explores both the celebrated and the uncanny, combining academic insight with accessible storytelling.
Career in Arts & Media
Mark began his career in journalism as Arts Editor for Wales’s leading newspapers and magazines, including the South Wales Evening Post, Swansea Life, Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star. Today, he continues to write for the Western Mail, The Bay magazine and Art Scene in Wales, covering everything from opera and theatre to visual culture and heritage.
Available for freelance commissions, his articles and features have appeared in respected publications worldwide, reaching both specialist and general-interest audiences.
Broadcaster & Media Contributor
Mark regularly appears as a guest specialist on radio and TV and has featured on the BBC, ITV Wales, S4C and more, as well as a variety of podcasts and documentaries.
His commentary spans art, folklore, culture and more. Whether analysing a new opera premiere or unpacking the origins of a Halloween tradition, he brings clarity, warmth and depth to every topic.
He also works behind the scenes as a researcher and consultant for arts, history and paranormal programming on TV and radio.
Specialism in Gothic Studies
Mark’s research explores the Gothic imagination – from architecture and painting to horror and folklore. He is especially interested in how Gothic ideas shaped the cultural landscape (and literal landscapes!) of Wales and Europe during the long nineteenth century.
He has written and spoken on topics steeped in, or hinting at, the Gothic – from Dylan Thomas to Dennis Wheatley, Dracula to Victorian séances.
Author of Books on Folklore & Culture
Mark is the author of more than ten books on the culture, ghosts and folklore of Wales, including:
- The Little Book of Welsh Culture (2016/ Second Edition: 2022)
- Ghosts of Wales: Accounts from the Victorian Archives (2017)
- The Little Book of Welsh Landmarks (2018/ Second Edition 2025)
- The A-Z of Curious Wales (2019)
- Paranormal Wales (2020)
- Illustrated Tales of Wales (2022)
- Paranormal Cardiff (2023)
- Paranormal Swansea and Gower (2024)
From “most haunted” castles to mythical creatures, his books delve into the darker corners of Welsh heritage while celebrating its rich storytelling tradition. Read more in the books page.
Speaker & Guest Lecturer
Mark regularly gives talks on art history, folklore and Gothic culture at public events, festivals and museums.
In 2026, he joins the world of cultural travel as a guest speaker for cruise lines and heritage tours, offering lectures on European art and architecture – from Monet to medieval cathedrals.
He is especially in demand around Halloween, and may well pop up on the airwaves or in a library near you each October. Spooky season is busy season!
Live Events & Podcasting
🎙 Podcast: Ghosts & Folklore of Wales
Launched in 2020, this podcast blends history, legend and humour, and reaches thousands of listeners worldwide. Topics range from real-life ghost stories to ancient myths and strange superstitions. Listen and subscribe here… if you dare!
🎭 Live: Ghosts of Wales – Live!
Launched in 2017, this Halloween event blends talks, storytelling, dance and performance to bring Wales’s spookier heritage to life.
🎟 Theatre: Phantoms
Mark’s ghost stories were adapted for the stage by Fluellen Theatre Company in 2018. Phantoms premiered at Swansea Grand Theatre and was a Halloween hit.