After 17 years, Ianto’s shrine in Cardiff is set to be taken down permanently to allow for maintenance work.
First established after the on-screen death of the character in 2009’s Torchwood: Children of Earth, the unofficial wall of tributes in Cardiff Bay’s Mermaid Quay soon became a place of pilgrimage for fans of the series, and some bafflement for other visitors.
Carol-Anne Hillman, who looks after the shrine, said she’s “devastated” by the decision:
“It became part of my life in Cardiff. I’ve got a back bedroom that’s got about 11 or 12 bags of decorations now that I can’t use. I’ve spent hundreds buying all these decorations. There’s loads of people now that won’t get even the first look at the shrine.”
Played by Gareth David-Lloyd, Ianto Jones met his untimely end as Torchwood tackled not just an alien species who wanted ten percent of the planet’s children, but also a government minded to go along with the demands to cover up an event 40 years previously. Considered by many to be the highlight of Torchwood’s four-series run, the five-episode story was a dark conspiracy thriller which shouldn’t be watched by those seeking light relief. Seriously though, if you haven’t seen it, it’s very good, but has one of the bleakest endings you’ll ever see on peak time BBC One.
Gareth David-Lloyd said of the impact of Ianto’s death:
“When we finished filming and I started to realise the cultural impact Ianto and his relationship with Jack [Harkness] was having, it was a big surprise, a very moving surprise. I certainly wasn’t expecting a shrine to be erected, and maintained for 20 years after. On one hand, it’s a bit bonkers, but on the other, it’s a monument to the impact Ianto, and his relationship with Jack, had on the queer community, and one that I’m really proud of.”
A spokesperson for Mermaid Quay said:
“We can confirm that Ianto’s Shrine at Mermaid Quay will be taken down whilst we carry out maintenance work. This work is required to ensure the lower boardwalk continues to provide a wonderful experience for all our visitors. We hope to work with the local community to explore a new plaque for Ianto once the maintenance works have completed.”
So although the shrine will be no more, there will still be a presence for Ianto.
