Cumbrian ticketing and web solutions specialist, Flame Concepts, has ignited the 300th anniversary celebrations of a leading 18th century architect, James Paine, by designing and creating a highly efficient and easy-to-use ticketing system for Raby Castle in Teesdale, the home of Lord Barnard.
Raby Castle
James Paine, born in 1717, was one of the architects who led what was known as the Palladian Revival, having been inspired by the buildings and writings of the Venetian architect, Andrea Palladio (1508-80).
He was highly accomplished when it came to remodelling existing buildings and, at Raby Castle, he is credited with having accomplished this, as well as creating new interior features, estate cottages and a model farm.
Paine, a favourite of the powerful Catholic families of his time, worked at Raby between 1752 and 1768, with the bulk of his work completed by 1761.
In his later years there, he acted as a consultant to the Earl of Darlington.
Filming Location
One contemporary claim to fame is that he built New Wardour Castle in Wiltshire, which was used as the Royal Ballet School in the film ‘Billy Elliot’.
Prior to Paine’s arrival at Raby, little had been done to the castle’s structure since medieval times.
Flame Concepts’ new ticketing solution is now helping the castle sell tickets for the second and last chance to enjoy a morning tour, led by the Raby Castle curator, which will highlight the architectural features that can still be accredited to Paine, to this day.
This final opportunity is scheduled for September 8.
Suitable ticketing system
The tour provides privileged access to areas of the castle not usually open to the public, so the ticketing needed to be in place to facilitate early booking of limited places.
Flame Concepts, based in Cockermouth, was chosen to handle the brief, because of systems it had previously built to handle Raby Castle’s fishing licence applications and bookings for Santa’s Grotto.
Intuitive
The intuitive form created by Flame Concepts easily guides the user through the booking process and allows for payment by Mastercard and Visa, whilst also accepting and validating both gift vouchers and promotional codes.
Whilst it seems simple, the process behind it is saving Raby Castle valuable administration time.
Flame Concepts’ managing director, Steve Bishop, says:
“We have created a contemporary and clean ticketing solution for Raby Castle, but have given it the feel and branding befitting of a historic home.
We hope the ease and speed of use will encourage those who love both architecture and heritage to take this very special 300th anniversary tour and learn more about an architect who not only worked on many great houses and buildings, but also maintained strong ethics with regard to his profession, employing articled apprentices who he could train to become respected architects."
To use Flame Concepts’ booking engine, head to www.rabycastle.com/whats-on/events. Tickets for the 10am to 12.30pm tour on September 9 cost £25 per person, including a refreshment.