Cultural Historian • Author • Speaker
Mark Rees is a Welsh author, journalist and cultural historian specialising in the rich heritage of Wales — from its art and architecture to its folklore, myths and haunted landscapes. With more than 20 years’ experience in the media, including roles as Arts Editor for leading titles, he brings both authority and accessibility to his work.
Exploring the weird and wonderful, his writing bridges the academic and the atmospheric, combining rigorous research with engaging storytelling across art, folklore and the uncanny. A recognised authority in these fields, he is a sought-after speaker and lecturer, delivering talks at universities, festivals and cultural events across the UK and internationally.
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. He continues to write for titles including 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, for both specialist and general-interest audiences.
Broadcaster & Media Contributor
Mark is a regular voice across broadcast media, appearing as a guest specialist on radio and television including the BBC, ITV Wales and S4C, as well as on podcasts and documentaries such as Paranormal Unpacked. He also works behind the scenes as a researcher and consultant for arts, history and paranormal programming.
His commentary spans art, folklore and cultural history — from analysing theatre and exhibitions to exploring the origins of Halloween traditions and the darker side of the past.
Specialism in Gothic Studies
Mark’s research explores the Gothic imagination — from architecture and painting to horror and folklore — with a particular focus on Wales and Europe during the long nineteenth century. He has written and spoken widely on subjects ranging from Dylan Thomas and Dennis Wheatley to Dracula and Victorian séances.
Alongside his professional work, he is currently researching a PhD in Gothic visual culture and develop new writing and book projects exploring the darker side of the arts and culture.
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)
- Quirky Cardiff (2026)
- Quirky Swansea (2026)
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.
Specialising in cultural travel, he is a guest speaker for cruise lines and on-location 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 this October. Spooky season is busy season!
Live Events, Podcasting & Vlogging
Video: Paranormal Unpacked
Co-hosted with Steve Balsamo, join the Paranormal Unpacked team as they investigate some of the most mysterious unsolved cases.
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.