Mark Rees is a cultural historian, author and broadcaster known for his work on the Gothic imagination, European visual culture and Welsh folklore. As a speaker and media contributor, he regularly appears at cultural events and on mainstream platforms, and also works behind the scenes on television, film and audio productions.
Public Speaking
Mark delivers engaging talks and lectures at festivals, museums, universities, and on luxury cultural tours. His events range from scholarly presentations to public storytelling performances, tailored to each audience and occasion.
Recent and upcoming talks include:
- The History of Halloween: Origins and Myths
Exploring the complex origins of Halloween — does it truly stem from ancient pagan festivals, or is its history more tangled? - The Gothic Imagination in Art & Culture
From Dickens to Dracula, Fuseli to Friedrich, discover how Gothic themes shaped literature, painting and architecture — evoking mystery, horror and the supernatural in 19th-century Europe. - Rembrandt & Van Gogh: Masters of Light & Colour
Explore how Rembrandt’s shadowy portraits and Van Gogh’s vivid sunflowers reshaped Dutch art. - Ghosts & Folklore of Wales
Inspired by Mark’s podcast and books, this talk uncovers chilling true tales, local legends and historical ghost stories from Wales’s haunted past. - Curious Christmas: The Darker Side of Festive Folklore
Uncover the eerie traditions behind Christmas celebrations — from fireside ghost stories to strange customs like the Mari Lwyd and the hunt for the wren. - The Colour and Light of Provence: Van Gogh, Cézanne & Matisse
Discover how the blazing sun and vibrant landscapes of southern France transformed modern art — from Van Gogh’s golden Arles to Matisse’s luminous chapel.
Whether appearing at a conference, library, gallery or theatre, Mark brings a passion for history and storytelling to every event. He is also the creator of Ghosts of Wales – Live!, an annual performance series blending folklore, archive material and live storytelling.
Broadcast and Media Work
Mark regularly appears as a guest specialist on radio and television, with credits including the BBC, ITV Wales, S4C, and a range of podcasts and documentaries. His expert commentary spans folklore, visual culture and the arts — offering clear, engaging insights to both general and specialist audiences.
He also provides behind-the-scenes support for documentaries, dramas and arts programming — contributing research, consultation and historical expertise to help shape tone, visuals and accuracy.
Selected Writing and Features
In addition to his books, Mark has written thousands of features, interviews and reviews over the past 20 years as a journalist. A former full-time arts writer and editor, he continues to contribute to leading newspapers, magazines and cultural outlets in the UK and beyond. A selection can be read on this website.
Enquiries
For speaking engagements, media appearances or freelance commissions, please get in touch via the contact page. You can also connect with Mark on social media or sign up to the newsletter for updates on upcoming appearances and projects.