FASHION photographer Tim Walker paid a visit to Gwrych Castle to shoot a new campaign for Louis Vuitton.

The 200-year-old folly near Abergele - which played host to I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! In 2020 - was closed for three days to enable the photo shoot to go ahead.

Manorafon Farm was also used to house the crew, make-up and catering.

Mr Walker first visited the castle in 2004 to shoot a campaign for Vogue.

Pictures of the castle from the shoot later featured in his book: Shoot for the Moon.

Dr Mark Baker, chair of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, said: "Back in 2004, we were one of Tim Walker's first projects.

"It was so lovely to catch up with him after so many years. He said 'next time a young photographer comes along, always say yes. You never know what they are doing to be doing 20 years later.'

"It was a massive production [the latest shoot]. There was a massive 120 / 130 crew.

"It was our first time with the brand Louis Vuitton but obviously our second time with Tim.

"Manorafon was the hive of activity and Gwrych was the area of calm for the models.

"For the shoot, all the main frontage was used but they hired the whole site out."

Tim Walkers previous photo shoot at the castle for Vogue was featured in his book: Shoot for the Moon. Picture: Gwrych Castle

Tim Walker's previous photo shoot at the castle for Vogue was featured in his book: Shoot for the Moon. Picture: Gwrych Castle

Talking about securing such a booking, Dr Baker added: "Tim is such an amazing world renowned photographer and to have the brand as well, an international brand, they both have such high profiles.

"It was beautiful weather and there was a economic impact - local caters and five hotels had been booked in the area as well.

"There was a model from Anglesey. He had been discovered on Instagram."

Dr Baker said the booking was received about a week earlier.

"It was very last minute. It was booked about a week before and we were told an outline of what they wanted," he said.

"Tim Walker’s creative eye is amazing.

"He said the site looked stunning. He hadn't been back here for so long.

"The art world has had such a difficult time during Covid so the whole crew were delighted to be out doing shoots again.

"The castle is so lucky and it is such a good set up with Manorafon Farm - it is a marriage of convenience."

Dr Baker believes the photographs will be published the end of the summer or early autumn.