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It occurred to me that there is still one or two gaps in our coverage of the various types of "cultural activity" that take place in Newcastle and the North East Region.

We have individual threads covering our Restaurants, Pubs, Football, Entertainment Venues, Music Venues, etc . . In those threads we cover the activities going on under those categories, as well as (in this SSC "urbanism & architecture" forum) any developments involving the buildings themselves (past, present & future).

The main areas of activity, not specifically covered so far, are "Museums, Art Galleries and Theatres" and The Arts in the region generally (including FUNDING issues) . . . hence this new thread!

The excellent "Newcastle Art" thread (started by johnnypd) continues unaffected by this one, as in that thread we tend to concentrate on specific examples of an ARTISTS WORK, rather than on the venues and locations themselves.

So, I thought I would start this new thread with the below location, primarily because it is currently in line for yet another award (which is being covered on the AWARDS thread) but also because it is (simply) one of the UKs premier museums . . .


The Great North Museum : Hancock.

http://www.artfundprize.org.uk/2010/images/longlist-3a.jpg

The Hancock Museum, a Grade II listed building, was first opened to the public in 1884 and quickly became Newcastle’s best-known and best-loved museum.

By 2004, the building was in need of major refurbishment if it was to function effectively as a 21st century museum.

In 2004, Newcastle University, joined forces with Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, the Natural History Society of Northumbria, the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle City Council in a partnership project to transform the display, interpretation and storage of their nationally important shared collections.

The project has transformed the Hancock building. A new extension provides a spectacular temporary exhibition and events space, a learning suite, café, study garden, and library facility. The stunning exhibition space meets international standards for environmental control and security, and physical and intellectual access have been increased immeasurably.

http://www.artfundprize.org.uk/2010/images/longlist-3b.jpg

The project has succeeded both in restoring the Victorian splendour of the building and in creating a fascinating and legible museum for the 21st century.

Bringing together three major collections, amassed over the last 250 years, has enabled the Museum to develop inter-related interpretation exploring, for example, the relationship of natural history and archaeological collections to the regional landscape, and the impact of humans upon it. Interactive exhibits and innovative use of ICT and projection technology are used throughout to highlight the collections and provide for a variety of learning styles and audiences.

http://www.artfundprize.org.uk/2010/images/longlist-3c.jpg

Since re-opening, the Great North Museum (Hancock) has brought together the collections from the following four (pre-existing) Newcastle Museums and Galleries . . .

1 - The Hancock Museum.
2 - Newcastle University Museum of Antiquities.
3 - The Shefton Museum.
4 - The Hatton Gallery.

Highlights of the new £26million museum include a large-scale, interactive model of Hadrian's Wall, major new displays showing the wonder and diversity of the animal and plant kingdoms, spectacular objects from the Ancient Greeks and mummies from Ancient Egypt, a planetarium and a life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton.

The Living Planet display houses hundreds of creatures and by using a mixture of touch screen technology and hands-on investigations, visitors can investigate these animals and find out where they live and how they survive in such extreme places as the arctic and desert.

Live animal tanks and aquaria are integrated into this major display where visitors can see wolf fish, pythons and lizards to name a few. Star objects include a full size model of an elephant, a great white shark, a virtual aquarium, live animal displays, a polar bear, and a giraffe.

The Museum acts as a gateway to the archaeological and natural environment of the North East, signposting visitors to historic, wildlife and landscape sites.

Since re-opening on 23 May 2009, the Museum has attracted over 650,000 visitors.

Project cost: £26 million, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Newcastle City Council, Newcastle University, European Regional Development Fund, ONE North East and the Tyne and Wear Sub-Regional Partnership, and a wide variety of trusts, corporations and individuals.

Design Team:
Terry Farrell and Partners, architects
Casson Mann, exhibition design.


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I'm off to the Live Theatre for the first time in a couple of weeks time, looking forward to it. Will post my thoughts afterwards.

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I'm off to the Live Theatre for the first time in a couple of weeks time, looking forward to it. Will post my thoughts afterwards.

Great little venue!You should be pleased!

Great little venue!You should be pleased!

I've had a look at the pictures on their website and it's looks a brilliant little place.

Two years back I was on my work experience with Live Theatre who were producing a film about Newcastle's quayside. As said above it is a great little venue. Great little building as well.

Would like to go and see a production there myself.

Campaign aims to restore historic Newcastle organ
Jan 18 2010 by Liz Walker, The Journal

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/NewcastleCityHallOrgan.jpg

A "FORGOTTEN" Newcastle organ could be one of the world's greatest if it was restored, say campaigners.

The imposing Grade II listed instrument would have pulled in the crowds to Newcastle City Hall when it was first installed in 1928, a year after the venue opened its doors.

But today the 82-year-old organ, constructed specially for the City Hall by County Durham firm Harrison and Harrison, is tired and worn due to a lack of care and attention.

Now recitals are experiencing a revival, with cities such as London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester all bringing their organs back to life.

And the Newcastle & District Society of Organists (NDSO) believe the same should be done in Newcastle.

Next month they are asking leaders at the city council to come up with a strategy to restore this piece of musical heritage.

“This is the Rolls Royce of organs,” said City Hall manager Peter Brennan.

“If we had it in full working order it would be the most significant organ in the country and one of the most important in the world.

“People would come from miles around to hear and play it.

“There are only two others like it in Europe and three in the world.”

The NDSO have been holding events to try and get people hooked on organ music.

In the latest recital around 30 youngsters from across the region came to the City Hall to try out the instrument for themselves.

The society hope to hold more events of this kind in the future. Mr Brennan said: “It is being increasingly used as people are becoming aware of it again.

“Schools have been holding events in the hall and using the organ, which is brilliant.

“We would like to see the council support a kind of educational programme that would build on this interest.”

Peter Chatfield, vice president of the NDSO said: “Most organs are in churches but the range of organ music is quite phenomenal. They used to be played in cinemas and dancehalls.

“Other cities around the country are restoring them but Newcastle seems to be lagging behind.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We have invited members of the NDSO to meet Coun Pauline Allen next month to talk about the city hall organ.

“We recognise the importance of the organ and are looking forward to discussing its future.”

http://www.iao.org.uk/newcastle/ndso_ch.html

It was my trip to the Live Theatre last night and I enjoyed it very much, lovely little place. I sat in the 'cabaret' section so having a table and some leg room was a nice change from being cramped in at the bigger theatres. Lovely staff too.

I'll definitely keep track of their listing and try and get down there again.

LIVE THEATRE . . A great little place, been a while since I was there, will have to go again soon!

http://www.live.org.uk/images/mediaManager//live-156cropped.jpg

Hit musical Chess coming to Theatre Royal
SMASH hit musical Chess is to be re-staged and will premiere in Newcastle this summer.

The musical, written by Abba’s Benny and Bjorn and lyricist Tim Rice, will enjoy a two-week run at the Theatre Royal from the end of August.

Written in the mid-1980s and spawning hits like I Know Him So Well and One Night In Bangkok, the musical has enjoyed something of a renaissance over the past few years, including sell-out concert versions at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The new production will be directed by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and produced by Wallsend-born Michael Harrison, famed for his Theatre Royal pantomimes.

Casting is yet to be announced, but the show will run from August 27 to September 11, with tickets on general sale from Saturday, and will then embark on a major national tour.

After the success of Mamma Mia! in Newcastle over Christmas, demand for tickets is expected to be huge.

Chess involves a romantic triangle between two top players, an American and a Russian, in a world chess championship, and a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other.

It happens in the context of a Cold War struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, during which both countries wanted to win international chess tournaments for propaganda purposes.

Although the characters were not intended to represent any specific individuals, that of the American was loosely based on chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer.

Following the pattern of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, a highly successful concept album of Chess was released in 1984. One Night In Bangkok became a global smash for Murray Head, while I Know Him So Well gave Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson 1985’s second biggest selling single in the UK and stayed in the top spot for five weeks.

The first theatrical production of Chess opened in London’s West End in 1986 and played for three years.

Last year, the Royal Albert Hall played host to sell-out shows of the concert concept.

Chess was Benny and Bjorn’s first major project after Abba’s ‘unofficial’ split in 1983.

It is deemed by performers as having one of the best musical scores ever written.

A production of Chess was last staged at the Theatre Royal in the early 90s.


http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2010/02/03/hit-musical-chess-coming-to-theatre-royal-72703-25753396/

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2010/02/03/hit-musical-chess-coming-to-theatre-royal-72703-25753396/

Got our tickets!! The Boss loves 'Andrew Lloyd Webber' Musicals!!

Funding boost for arts in the North East
Feb 9 2010 by David Whetstone, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/feb2010/6/8/the-customs-house-in-south-shields-688937020.jpg

TWO of the region's leading arts venues have received a cash boost while a new fund has been launched to stimulate film and new media production across the North East.

The Customs House, South Shields, has received £179,600 and Seven Stories, Newcastle, £175,000 from the Sustain fund, set up by Arts Council England to help successful arts organisations through difficult financial times.

Yesterday’s announcement was greeted with delight by the bosses of both North East organisations.

Kate Edwards, chief executive of Seven Stories, the national centre for children’s books, said it would enable them to do two things.

“Firstly it will enable us to invest in our visitor centre.

“It is coming up to being open for five years and we have to make sure that things like our air conditioning in the gallery is the best it can be to protect the original artwork on display.

“We also need to invest in some other areas to improve the experience for visitors.

“Secondly, it will enable us to invest in our artistic programme through this year and into next. We have planned an exhibition marking 70 years of Puffin books and we also want to celebrate our fifth birthday, thanking people in the North East for their support.”

Ms Edwards said Seven Stories hadn’t been in crisis but had been able to demonstrate that it had been hit by the recession.

She said that while many schools still supported Seven Stories, there had been a drop in the number of school visits because of rising transport costs, leading to a fall in income.

There had also been a fall in corporate hire while trusts and foundations had had less money to award because of the decreased value of their endowments

Ray Spencer, executive director of the Customs House, said the money would be spent on three things.

It would enable the venue to produce a new play by Valerie Laws about local hero John Simpson Kirkpatrick, the “man with the donkey”, who rescued hundreds of wounded Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli during the First World War. “The big idea is to take it out to Australia to coincide with their Gallipoli celebration,” said Mr Spencer.

Some of the money would be spent on staging a contemporary production of Romeo and Juliet in South Shields as part of the Customs House Bard in the Park presentation.

The rest would be spent on leasing a shop in the town centre to act as a box office and to offer for sale the work of artists exhibiting at the Customs House.

“The big issue for us, being at Mill Dam, is that we have no footfall, the spontaneous ‘let’s buy a ticket’ from passers-by.

“We have felt a squeeze on the corporate side of things but we are trying to generate income in other ways.”

Just over £41m has now been invested nationally through Sustain.

Arts Council chief executive Alan Davey said: “Sustain has been crucial in helping over 130 arts organisations weather the effects of the recession.”

^^ Customs house gets more than Newcastle... these bloody sand-dancers get all the money! They should call it the Arts Council South Shields :)

Theatre Royal plans to go back to the future
Feb 20 2010 The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/dec2009/6/1/richard-briers-at-the-theatre-royal-758369402.jpg

A HISTORIC theatre has unveiled ambitious plans for a restoration that will transform it both inside and out.

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal will take its audiences on a journey through time in a £4.75m revamp to commemorate the building’s 175th birthday in 2012.

The Georgian venue has changed with the times, losing much of its original authenticity as light fittings, carpets and decor styles have gone in and out of fashion over the decades.

Most notably, the Grade-1-listed building on Grey Street was completely rebuilt following a fire that destroyed it in 1899.

Now the grand Georgian structure, once referred to as “the greatest building on Britain’s greatest street”, will get an architectural overhaul with the purpose of recapturing the original style of Frank Matcham’s 1901 design, while at the same time introducing 21st century standards of comfort.

Imitation gas-light burners and period-style seating will sit comfortably alongside Victorian fabrics, carpets and tile-work.

State-of the-art ventilation and air-conditioning will also be installed, as well as a revamp of the theatre’s washrooms and other facilities.

From the stalls and gallery right through to the stage and parts of the building’s exterior, audiences will soon see changes described as “inspirational” by Theatre Royal Chief Executive Philip Bernays.

He said yesterday: “This is a very exciting time for us.

“We are now moving from the feasibility stage to the full development of technical proposals – the vision of this restoration is now becoming a reality, and audiences can look forward to a much more comfortable and special experience.

“The Theatre Royal is not only one of the most impressive buildings in Britain, but it is also a major monument of civic pride. It has a place in the hearts and minds of every person in the North East and also many further afield.

“Its protection and conservation is of national importance.”

The works - funded through donations from businesses, charitable organisations and ticket fees - are set to take place between March and September 2011.

Mr Bernays said all functions at the theatre, including meetings, conferences and educational events, will continue throughout that period but performances will be suspended for five months while the bulk of the work takes place.

Theatre conservation expert Dr David Wilmore and architects Peter Hall and Robert Sansome have drawn on samples of historical material including photographs and other theatre memorabilia to inform the restoration process.

The Theatre is bidding for £250,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help fund the project.

Mourning the loss of region's cultural voice
Jan 18 2010 by Amy Hunt, The Journal


FEARS have been raised that the cultural voice of the North East is being watered down by shake-ups in regional arts organisations.

A restructure of the Arts Council England is set to create a “super-region” for the whole of the North, covering big cities like Manchester and Liverpool, as well as Tyneside.

Newcastle city leaders are warning efforts to promote culture in the area, which have brought tourism and other economic benefits, could now be lost in the mix.

Coun David Faulkner, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said he was concerned about the trend of regional bodies to oversee arts and culture in the North East, ceding power to national offices.

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), which used to have a North East division, has set up a national team to replace eight of the nine regional MLAs.

And Culture North East, where Coun Faulkner was a board member, closed down in 2008 because of Government cuts.

He said: “I was a member of the Culture North East and the Museums, Libraries and Archives North East boards. I thought they did very good work promoting the importance of culture in the region and making sure it was contributing to quality of life, business and tourism in the region.

“I think it’s really sad that these two organisations, which were very strong in the region, have been cast aside and become centralised. Now we’ve got Arts Councils amalgamating the whole of the North into a super-region.

“We will still have managers here which is fine, but I get the impression that the benefits the region has worked so hard for could be lost and I’d question whether the region will have sufficient voice for culture on a national level. The Arts Council in the North East has helped transform the image, reputation and quality of life of the region and we don’t want it to go.

“I think there’s a risk of losing some of the momentum we have created within the cultural development of the North East over the last 20 years.”

He highlighted events such as the National Garden Festival held in Gateshead in 1990 and the Year of Visual Arts in the North East in 1996 as success stories which have put the region on the cultural map. Icons like The Sage Gateshead, Baltic and Angel of the North have been made possible by North East-based arts organisations, he said.

Following a review Arts Council bosses announced plans for a restructure which would save £6.5m a year.

Scottish Arts Council chief executive Jim Tough has been unveiled as the new area executive director for the North and will take up his post from April.

Mark Robinson, the current executive director for the North East, announced in July he would leave the organisation in the shake-up.

An Arts Council spokeswoman said: “The new Arts Council structure continues to have a strong regional focus with an office in Newcastle. The new structure allows for much more external focus, with specialist relationship managers advising artists and developing opportunities across the region.

“The new structure allows the sharing of resources and knowledge more flexibly across the organisation and simplifies processes – for example, centralised grants for the arts process based in the support services centre in Manchester.

“Staff in the regions will be focused on customer-facing activities, head office is streamlined and the smaller executive board will be more strategic and able to make faster decisions. These changes will positively impact upon regional artists.”


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It is interesting now, to look at the original planned structure of The Great North Museum : Hancock, as instead of being extended into a new-build out the back (as it now has been) it was originally planned to have the new-build extensions on the other side of Claremont Road, with a bridge going over the road linking the two sites. See below . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/GreatNorthMuseum-Nov2003plan-1.jpg

Work underway at the Laing
Work is underway at the Laing Art Gallery to transform the existing Art on Tyneside display into a new display, Northern Spirit: 300 Years of Art from the North East.

While the work takes place, there will be some disruption to the shop and café areas. The café will also be closed on Sunday 28 February.

The new display, Northern Spirit: 300 Years of Art from the North East, will open in October 2010 and will include nationally and internationally-important work by artists and makers held in the Laing collection. It will include work by Thomas Bewick, John Martin, the Beilby family and many more.


http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/news/work-underway-at-the-laing/

Thanks for posting that TPNE, that's good news.

Here is a bit more information about the new "Northern Spirit, 300 Years of Art from the North East" display, at the Laing . .


New display at the Laing Art Gallery

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/inc/img.php/images/uploads/news/original/2001070.jpg/275/1/fill

The development of an exciting new display at Newcastle's Laing Art Gallery is beginning.

The Gallery's Art on Tyneside display will close from Monday 30 November to undergo a transformation into a new area, featuring work by some of the region’s best-known artists and makers.

Julie Milne, curator of the Laing Art Gallery, says:

'The North East has been home to artists and makers of national and international importance and we want to highlight the contributions they made to the region and to the wider art world, from the 18th century to the present day.'

The new display, which is scheduled to open in October next year, will showcase internationally-important art from the Laing Art Gallery's collection, including work by John Martin, Thomas Bewick and the Beilby family of glass enamellers.

The Laing Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is free.

The new display is funded by a grant of £250,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund; £225,000, awarded jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Wolfson Foundation; and £345,000 from Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), awarded through Newcastle University’s International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies.

I do think that the Laing needs some sort of boost. I've been on a couple of occasions (mainly to try to get photos of neighbouring spaces from its upper windows) and found the exhibits to be a bit dull. I'm not suggesting turning it into a wacky, experiential gallery like the Life Centre, but I can't see many reasons to go back and visit it very often. Maybe it's just my perception of it though.

Exciting new developments at the Shipley

Henry Rothschild at the Shipley Art Gallery

The Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead will unveil a very exciting new development to the public in February 2010, as work is nearing completion on the Henry Rothschild Study Centre, which will make the gallery a centre of national importance for contemporary craft and ceramics.

The Henry Rothschild Study Centre will enable the Gallery to present a superb collection of 20th century ceramics amassed by Henry Rothschild (1913 - 2009), founder of the shop Primavera.

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/inc/img.php/images/uploads/news/original/5086461.jpg/275/1/fill

The collection also includes work by leading ceramicists working in Britain and internationally since the 1950s.

Amy Barker, curator of the Shipley Art Gallery says:

"The Henry Rothschild Study Centre is the culmination of a long relationship between Henry Rothschild and the Shipley Art Gallery, that began in 1994 with loans and gifts to the Gallery. Henry was attracted to the Shipley's commitment to encouraging public engagement through contemporary craft and design."

The new study centre will allow Henry Rothschild's collection to be viewed en masse for the first time. It will include a database with more information about the collector, the objects and the makers and a reference library of books on studio ceramics donated by Henry Rothschild.

Amy Barker says:

"The Shipley is now home to over 330 pieces collected by Henry Rothschild., The new Study Centre is a testament to his passion for ceramics and his zest and enthusiasm for discovering outstanding works made by highly skilled craftspeople. We expect that enthusiasts will travel to the Shipley to see this fabulous collection and we look forward to welcoming them.”

The Study Centre will ensure that this nationally significant collection remains intact and available for future generations and will build on the Gallery's reputation as a leading centre for art, craft and design.

Leader of Gateshead Council Mick Henry said:

"I'm really excited about this collection and the new developments. I think it's further evidence of Gateshead's ever growing reputation for art and I’m sure that it will further cement the Shipley's position at the forefront of contemporary craft and design, as well as being yet another boost to tourism in the region."

The Shipley Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 2pm to 5pm and bank holiday Mondays. Admission is free.

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VOTING is NOW OPEN, for the below (see LINK at bottom of page) . . .

Great North Museum's battle for £100,000 arts award
Feb 22 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3625281921_c748e3cb30.jpg

A TOP North museum is set to battle it out against 10 others for the UK's biggest arts cash prize.

Staff at the revamped Great North Museum in Newcastle have been told they are in the running for the £100,000 Art Fund Prize. The cash award is the biggest single prize on offer to Museums and Galleries and is awarded to the venue which has demonstrated the most originality, imagination and excellence for its exhibitions.

The museum will go head-to-head against some of the most popular attractions, including The Natural History Museum which has been selected for its new Darwin Centre and the National Army Museum which has been included for its Conflicts of Interest exhibition.

The Great North Museum, which was created after a £26m revamp of the former Hancock Museum, has been selected for its outstanding collections of natural history, archaeology and world cultures.

Since the Great North Museum opened in May last year, it has attracted 673,000 visitors – already exceeding its full-year target. Alec Coles, director of Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, believes being included on the Art Fund Prize longlist shows that the museum is one of the best in the country.

He said: “The Art Fund Prize is hugely important to us and it is fantastic to see the Great North Museum on the list. It just goes to show how museums in our region are gaining a competitive edge.

“One of our main aims at the Great North Museum is to increase public participation and enjoyment and going on to win the Art Fund Prize would enable us to continue to do just that.”

Usually there are only 10 groups which make it onto the longlist, but this year due to the high standard of entries there are 11 establishments vying for the cash prize. The eventual winner will be decided by a judging panel which this year is chaired by broadcaster Kirsty Young.

She said: “My fellow judges and I deliberated passionately and at length, and even then it was impossible to select fewer than eleven for the long list.

“The quality of applications was simply outstanding. We are delighted with our selection and feel that this year’s long list demonstrates a snapshot of the UK’s incredible cultural offerings.”

The Great North Museum was officially opened by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in November during their visit to Tyneside.

Among the exhibitions is an interactive guide to Hadrian’s Wall and mummies from Ancient Egypt, a planetarium and a life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton. Stephen Deuchar, director of The Art Fund, said: “This year’s listed museums and galleries have shown such depth of imagination and drive. They are a testament to the wealth of culture on offer right across the UK.”

The judges will visit each of the listed museums and galleries before selecting a short list of four, to be announced at the end of May.

The winner of the £100,000 prize will be announced on June 30 at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.

The public can vote for their favourite institution and leave comments for the judges on the Art Fund Prize website saying why their choice should win.

:: Go to: www.artfundprize.org.uk

ART - in the temporarily empty (we hope!) buildings of 'East Pilgrim Street'

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/ART-usingemptyEPSBuildings.jpg
Journal, Wednesday March 3rd 2010.

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A new exhibition at the BALTIC . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/BalticExhibitionMarch2010.jpg
Newcastle Journal, Monday 8th March 2010.

History buffs urged to back Great North Museum
Art Fund Award bid
Mar 10 2010 The Journal


VOTE HERE : http://www.artfundprize.org.uk/


History buffs being urged to back a North museum’s bid to beat off competition from 10 rivals and clinch the UK’s biggest arts cash award.

Staff at the Great North Museum in Newcastle were told last month they were in the running for the £100,000 Art Fund Prize.

Now they are going head-to-head with some of the country’s most popular attractions, including the Natural History Museum which has been selected for its new Darwin Centre and the National Army Museum which has been included for its Conflicts of Interest exhibition.

The cash award is the biggest single prize on offer to museums and galleries and is awarded to the venue which has demonstrated the most originality, imagination and excellence for its exhibitions.

Last night people from the North East were urged to log on and register their vote for the Tyneside museum.

Alec Coles, director of the Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: “The Art Fund Prize is hugely important to us and it is great to see the Great North Museum on the longlist.

“I would suggest that the number of visitors per population is well above others in the country. It really shows the appetite for high quality museums in the North East.

“I think for too long we’ve always looked at the south and London for big national museums, but now people are looking up to us and that shows that we’ve got something totally excellent going on here.”

The Great North Museum, which was created after a £26m revamp of the former Hancock Museum, has been selected for its outstanding collections of natural history, archaeology and world cultures.

Since the Great North Museum opened in May last year, it has attracted 720,000 visitors – already exceeding its full-year target.

But the museum is currently ranked fourth in the race to be crowned the finest in the country and urgently needs the public’s support.

Mr Coles said: “The reaction that we’ve had has been phenomenal since we opened our doors. A lot of people traditionally visited the Hancock because it was a popular place. People feel very welcome and comfortable because they are well looked after and it’s very accessible. But most importantly we have a fantastic collection here.”

Prof Paul Younger, a pro-vice-chancellor at Newcastle University and chairman of the Great North Museum board, said: “What we have achieved since the revamp is remarkable. We’ve been overwhelmed with how much people have loved the museum when it opened last May. If only a handful of the 720,000 visitors showed their appreciation by logging on and voting then I’m sure we would win.”

Usually there are only 10 groups which make it onto the longlist, but this year due to the high standard of entries there are 11 establishments vying for the cash prize.

To vote people should log on to www. artfundprize.org.uk/2010/vote Voters are encouraged to tell the judges why they think the Great North Museum should win.

Great North Museum : Hancock, granted civil partnership licence
Mar 21 2010 by Kerry Wood, Sunday Sun

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/sundaysun/mar2010/6/3/dinosaur-hancock-museum-great-north-museum-755243915.jpg

FOR happy couples everywhere their big day is a chance to declare their love in front of family and old friends.

And they don’t come much older than the 40ft-long skeleton of T Rex.

Loved-up couples can now exchange their vows in the shadow of the towering prehistoric party guest at Newcastle’s Great North Museum, the first in the country to house the huge replica.

Having secured its civil partnership licence, the Hancock – home to a host of impressive exhibitions – has already held its first wedding breakfast among the mummies from Ancient Egypt and an exhibition on Greek art.

The £26m visitor attraction is the latest North East attraction to become a quirky place for would-be-brides and grooms to tie the knot.

And Kelly Norman and her fiance Patrick Horne have already booked the Hancock for their November nuptials, and cannot wait to swap rings beside the resident beasts.

Sports massage therapy student Kelly, 33, and IT engineer Patrick, 34, are both Northerners currently living in Cambridge where Kelly is studying, having met just over a year ago on a snowboarding holiday.

On a recent return visit they couldn’t believe how much the Hancock has changed since its multi-million pound makeover.

Kelly, originally from Throckley, Newcastle, said: “The last time I came here was when I was a little girl, and look at it now! Our wedding photographer can’t wait for the big day.

“We wanted to find something a little different and a bit funky and when we searched for unique wedding venues on the internet the Hancock popped up.

“It’s still a very traditional sandstone building with fabulous staircases but the backdrops are very different.

“Weddings can be quite boring for children but we won’t need to worry about entertaining them now.”

Hot on the heels of the future Mr and Mrs Horne, many other couples have also been onto the museum.

Colin Perkins, who runs the museum’s events and catering, said: “We have already had a lot of enquiries from couples wanting a wedding that is really different while observing some of the day’s more traditional moments.

“We can cater for as few as 60 guests up to 350.”

The Hancock isn’t the first popular attraction to turn its attention to love.

In recent years Donna Redfearn, of North East Wedding Planners, has seen more and more couples come to her wanting something different on their special day.

She said: “Five years ago it used to be a bit different to have your wedding at Newcastle United or Sunderland but now quite a few couples do that.

“We are always getting people coming to us wanting quirky weddings but when it comes down to it and we talk to them what they actually want is something just slightly different from the traditional wedding.”

To find out more about hiring out Hancock: The Great North Museum ring 0844 856 1074 or email events@ twmusuems. co.uk

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£4.8m loan will fund restoration of
Newcastle's Theatre Royal
Apr 14 2010 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/apr2010/3/5/a-performance-at-the-theatre-royal-912395136.jpg

A LOAN of millions of pounds from a city council to fund the restoration of Newcastle's Theatre Royal looks set to be approved.

Newcastle City Council is planning to lend £4.8m to the Theatre Royal Trust to pay for a major overhaul which will aim to restore the Grade I-listed building to its former glory.

If the cash is approved at a meeting of the council’s executive next week, it will be repaid by the trust over the next 10 years.

The plan is to fund the project through a £1.75 “Heritage Contribution” which will be added on to the price of each ticket.

Philip Bernays, chief executive of the Theatre Royal, said: “We are very grateful for the council’s support and for working so closely with us on the realisation of this important project, ensuring our glorious Victorian auditorium is fit for a 21st-Century audience.”

The aim of the facelift is to restore the theatre, according to its 1901 re-design by architect Frank Matcham, in time to mark the venue’s 175th anniversary in 2012.

Built in 1837, the theatre was gutted by fire in 1899.

The restoration will incorporate Matcham’s original design, much of which has been lost over the last 100 years, but it will also introduce 21st-Century standards of comfort.

New seats will be installed in the auditorium, along with new ventilation and air conditioning and sympathetic decoration such as imitation gas-light burners, Victorian fabrics, carpets and paint work.

Technical equipment in the front of house areas will be improved and relocated to respect the architecture and atmosphere.

As well as the loan the city council will fund essential repairs to the building, at a cost of £300,000. The trust is also waiting for approval of Heritage Lottery funding to pay for repairs to external stonework of the portico and improvements to the external lighting of the building.

The work is due to be completed next year. Coun Peter Allen, executive member for resources said: “This funding will ensure the Theatre Royal’s future as one of the region’s best-loved and most important buildings, so the city council is delighted to be supporting the restoration by providing this loan.

“We are confident this will be repaid through the theatre’s Heritage Contribution on tickets sales and will come at no extra cost to our council tax payers.

“The Theatre Royal has been enjoyed by theatre-goers of all ages over the years but this restoration work, incorporating Frank Matcham’s original designs, will bring the building up to date and ready for a new generation.”

Woodhorn Museum to hold rally
Tegan Chapman, Blyth & Wansbeck News Post Leader, 20 April 2010

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/NPL//TH1_26420107Woodhorn%2011.jpg

VINTAGE vehicle enthusiasts from across the North of England will be making a beeline for Woodhorn on May 2nd 2010.

The North East Club for Pre-War Austins is holding a rally at the museum on Sunday, May 2.

Organisers are expecting a wide selection of vehicles attending from the 1920s up to the 1980s and they have their fingers crossed for fine weather.

Event organiser Liz Ritson said: "Not only will sunshine show off the vehicles in the best light.

"But it will result in attracting even more vehicles and fans. We are already expecting over 40 cars from right across the region and beyond."

The vehicles will be on display at Woodhorn from 11am.

Visit www.experiencewoodhorn.org.uk for more information

Great North Museum: Hancock, helps
break two million visitor barrier
Apr 29 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/apr2010/3/0/great-north-mueseum-hancock-museum-892521461.jpg

MUSEUMS and galleries in Tyne and Wear have broken the two million visitor barrier for the first time.

The runaway success of the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle is the major reason behind the visitor figure of 2,286,737 in the past year

The Great North Museum marks its first anniversary later in May and has attracted more than 750,000 visitors so far, smashing its visitor target of 300,000.


REST OF ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/04/29/hancock-museum-helps-break-two-million-visitor-barrier-61634-26338732/

Hoults Yard in Newcastle launches Think Tank Art Space
May 18 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nebusiness/may2010/5/0/director-of-globe-gallery-rashida-davison-with-managing-director-of-hoults-yard-charlie-hoult-696973971.jpg

HOULTS Yard is adding to its reputation as a business and media hub for the creative industries after launching an on-site art gallery.

The yard, which is home to 400 media professionals off Walker Road, has opened Think Tank – a permanent exhibition space to showcase the work of different artists.

Hoults, which was formerly home to the Tyneside pottery Malings and has been under the ownership of the Hoult family for generations, has seen a dramatic transformation from industrial estate to artistic hub in recent years.

The first in a series of revolving tenants in the exhibition space is North Shields and Newcastle-based Globe Gallery, known for its work with established and emerging artists.

It will inhabit the space until the end of this month as part of its Globe Gallery Offsite programme, which aims to breathe creativity into empty spaces across the region.


REST OF ARTICLE HERE - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2010/05/18/hoults-yard-in-newcastle-launches-think-tank-art-space-51140-26465426/

Universe brought to life at Great North Museum
May 28 2010 by Joanne Butcher, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/may2010/1/4/holly-martin-enjoys-the-view-of-mars-at-the-planetarium-at-the-great-north-museum-hancock-448262053.jpg

WONDERS of the universe will be brought to life thanks to the Evening Chronicle.

We have teamed up with Newcastle’s Great North Museum: Hancock to sponsor the amazing films in the venue’s planetarium.

The domed centre-piece is the pride of the museum - a state-of-the-art, digital, full cinema experience which allows visitors to take a dramatic journey through space to explore the solar system.

Young and old alike will be blown away as they explore the furthest reaches of the universe from the comfort of their seats.

Films on offer at the dome include Dawn of the Space Age, a 42-minute programme documenting the history of space flight.

There are also guided projection tours of planets and stars from our solar system and beyond.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2010/05/28/universe-brought-to-life-at-great-north-museum-72703-26542594/

The Shipley feels as though it's out on a bit of a limb. It's a shame that Nexus don't extend the Gateshead Quaylink bus there, as that area is a small 'civic area' with Gateshead Library and leisure centre too.

Culture bosses in plea to save the arts
Jun 1 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal


CULTURE bosses are to lobby the Government in a bid to save the North East arts scene from being devastated by cuts.

The Conservative-Lib Dem coalition has told officers at Arts Council North East that they will face their share of a £19m cut to the national budget.

It follows a £4m cut, already announced by the previous government, set to take effect in the same financial year.

Last night there were fears that funding used to kick start the North East economy, with venues such as The Sage Gateshead and the Baltic, was gone for good.

The Journal’s Case for the North East warned politicians in the run-up to the election to be wary of any moves which could damage a decade of cultural revival in the region.

With the region’s economy now more dependant then ever on tourism and its cultural scene, ministers will this week be urged not to hold back an already suffering economy by slashing further arts funding.

The new Government has promised to redirect more lottery funding to the arts but this move will not come in time to mitigate the impact of savage cuts.

Funding poured into the arts since Labour came to power in 1997 has boosted a tourist trade now worth around £4bn to the North East.

That regional value is seen at The Sage Gateshead where for every £1 of public subsidy, it generates £12 for the local economy.


FULL (THREE PAGE) ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/06/01/culture-bosses-in-plea-to-save-the-arts-61634-26560193/

North arts face a dramatic cut
Jun 9 2010 by William Green, The Journal


CULTURE Secretary Jeremy Hunt yesterday signalled the North East's arts scene faces even more cuts.

The warning of “very, very tough times” comes as Chancellor George Osborne finalises his emergency budget on June 22, which could unveil overall annual cuts of up to £60bn.

The regional arm of the Arts Council has already been ordered to find savings as part of a £19m cut to its national budget.

That is on top of the previous Labour Government demanding a £4m cut due to take effect in the same financial year.

The Journal’s Case for the North East has highlighted how a cultural renaissance has helped transform the region and its economy – and warned against damaging that success story.

But in a briefing with political journalists yesterday, Mr Hunt warned even more cuts would hit the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and organisations it funds.

He said: “It is going to be very tough and we are going to have to share the pain in sorting out the deficit. And that will affect not just the bodies we fund, but it will also affect DCMS ourselves.”

At the same briefing, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey praised the “iconic” success of Newcastle and Gateshead in boosting cultural and economic developments.

It was a “fantastic” success story with tourism now worth around £1bn a year, he said.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2010/06/09/north-arts-face-a-dramatic-cut-51140-26617174/

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Don't think I even knew this place existed! Please could anyone who knows the area shed some light on this venue? Must have some affection/importance if it made headlines in industry news :)


Demolition order for Wallsend theatre causes concern
The Stage, Tuesday 15 June 2010, by Natalie Woolman


North Tyneside’s Borough Theatre has been marked for demolition by the local council despite the fact that heritage body Theatres Trust has been “inundated” with calls to save the building.

The Wallsend venue has been largely unused for ten years. North Tyneside Council recently acquired the building and intends to demolish it and bring forward plans for a residential development on the site.

Two applications to English Heritage for the venue to become a listed building over the last five years have been rejected due to alterations to its exterior.

A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said: “In response to the concerns of the residents of Wallsend about the decline of Wallsend town centre, which is most clearly evident in disused buildings such as the former Borough Bingo, the council has acquired the building (and the nearby Fox Garage) in order to bring forward beneficial development.

“While the aspirations of a small number of local residents to refurbish the building and reuse it as a theatre are laudable, they are not considered financially viable or sustainable, particularly in view of the significant reductions in public sector funding and the very poor condition of the building.”

Theatres Trust planning and heritage adviser Mark Price commented: “The Borough Theatre could be a real cultural asset to Wallsend, particularly as the North Tyneside Council website states that ‘2010/11 is Year of the Arts in North Tyneside’.

“We are concerned about the loss of potential cultural and community use in the area as well as the long-term gap-site on the high street following the proposed demolition. The trust will continue to urge the council to look at sustainable cultural re-use for the community and the setting up of a local trust rather than opt for outright demolition.”

The Borough Theatre was built in 1909. It closed as a theatre/cinema in 1960, re-opening two years later as a bingo hall. It ceased its main operations in 2000. Ornamental details on the venue’s exterior were removed at an unknown date.

http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/28597/demolition-order-for-wallsend-theatre-causes



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Don't think I even knew this place existed! Please could anyone who knows the area shed some light on this venue? Must have some affection/importance if it made headlines in industry news :)

http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/28597/demolition-order-for-wallsend-theatre-causes


Me neither, until the other day!

We covered it (and that was when I first heard about it!) on the "Wallsend Area - Developments thread.

I have put a copy of your post, paddytoonleics, over on that thread also.

North East arts funding set for further cuts
Jun 19 2010 The Journal

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ARTS organisations across the North East will share the pain of a multi-million pound budget cut, with fears of deeper cuts to come.

Having had its Government grant cut by £19m, Arts Council England has decided organisations it funds on a regular basis will get 0.5% less than they had expected this year, totalling £1.8m.

There are 70 regularly funded organisations in the North East, ranging from The Sage Gateshead, which had been due to receive £3.8m in 2010-11, to Newcastle-based Flambard Press (£21,664).

The Arts Council said it had “sought to protect and develop art and the organisations that enable it to happen” as far as possible.

It has slashed larger sums from its two highest funded organisations not directly involved in producing art.

Creativity, Culture and Education, which is based in Newcastle and runs the Creative Partnerships scheme, is to lose £1.6m while Arts & Business suffers a £200,000 cut – a 4% cut in each case.

The Arts Council has also taken £19m from its reserves and further trimmed its operating costs by £400,000.

Alison Clark-Jenkins, regional director of Arts Council England, North East, said: “We felt it was especially important to look at the savings that would have the least impact on regularly funded organisations this year because we think the scenario will be different after the Budget next Tuesday. The indications from the Government are that there are no departments that can’t expect cuts.”


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/06/19/north-east-arts-funding-set-for-further-cuts-61634-26683816/

Well of course no one would expect the Arts to escape cuts any more than any other sector, but it will be very interesting to see just HOW the Arts Council of England's contribution from government is affected.

Already, under their previous agreement with government, they were required to cut overheads by 9% (which has led to the loss of artistic expertise in regional offices) and were obliged to see some of their income allocated to the Olympics.
Then in May they had £19mil chopped from their 2010/11 income after the financial year had begun!

But the really interesting element is their funding from the National Lottery. This accounts for a quarter of their annual funds, and of course the amount which the public spend on the Lotto is quite outside anyone's control - its been declining. steadily. From about £200m each year to £140m now.

And why does it matter? Well its not just art and entertainment - our cultural industry sector has been growing faster than the economy as a whole and brings money into the UK (as exports) at about 100 times the funding from the Arts Councils, employing over 2 million people! The North East having one of the countries strongest cluster of cultural industries after London!
So it really does matter to us.

William Armstrong's famous but ruined Banqueting Hall in Jesmond Dene is not all in ruins. The street level chambers and its imposing stair well have been transformed into artists' studios and a gallery, which was launched with an exhibition and showing to invited guests and media on Saturday 19th June.

Details at http://www.armstrongstudiotrust.org/

The building and its environments are associated with various northern artists such as Graham Lough and Ralph Hedley as well as the Pre Raphaelite movement and earlier a visit by Turner. The Northern Sinfornia were the last occupants leaving in 1971 before the building fell into disrepair and later became a controlled ruin. Recently the parks have been awarded Heritage Lottery funding for renewal and development, a similar but independent strategy is being considered for the Banqueting Hall, architect John Dobson and the Lodge, architect Norman Shaw.

I missed it myself, but friends have been enthusing about the event, the building, the hospitality and the personalities present (though didn't seem to recall much about the art. Hmmm.)

Beamish Museum celebrates 40th birthday
July 2nd 2010, by Ian Robson, Evening Chronicle


BEAMISH MUSEUM is marking its 40th birthday with a series of special events on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a parade of vehicles and staff in period costume at noon on both days. At the railway station there will be a photographic exhibition of the last 40 years at Beamish. There will be church services at the Methodist chapel at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm each day while children can take part in a guess the object game at the school. Beamish is open from 10am to 5pm on both days anniversary days.

Ten things (amongst MANY others) to see at Beamish . . . at any time, not just over the anniversary weekend:

1 Pockerley Old House boasts an open fire with a superb chimney crane and demonstrations of tallow candle making or spinning.

2 The Steam Elephant is a replica of an early steam locomotive and is used, in conjunction with replicas of Puffing Billy and Locomotion No 1, to give rides in recreated carriages.

3 Pit cottages come from Hetton-le-Hole, and were built in the 1860s for pitmen and their families. They have been painstakingly recreated at the museum.

4 The Steam Winding Engine was taken from nearby Beamish Chophill 2nd Pit and was built by J & G Joicey & Co of Newcastle in 1855.

5 The Beamish Board School – which once stood at East Stanley – provides a glimpse of what life was like for children in the early 1900s.

6 The Colliery Lamp Cabin, the newest exhibit, shows what it was like at the start of a shift in the mines when pitmen collected their lamps.

7 The Jubilee Sweetshop, providing old-fashioned sweets, is one of the most popular exhibits.

8 Home Farm, once part of the Beamish Estate, includes a cosy farmhouse with its beautiful cast iron range and huge scrubbed top table.

9 The Co-op Grocery Store, recalling the days of the “divi”, originally came from Annfield Plain.

10 Three trams carry than more than 350,000 visitors each year.


ARTICLE HERE - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/07/02/birthday-celebrations-72703-26770008/

Historian is it correct that the front street buildings in Beamish are actually the frint street from Whickham. I grew up in Whickham- and tha is what i was told- that the beautiful stone front street was dismantled brick by brick and shipped to Beamish. I replace of it we got ugly 1970's shops. Is that true?

Historian is it correct that the front street buildings in Beamish are actually the frint street from Whickham. I grew up in Whickham- and tha is what i was told- that the beautiful stone front street was dismantled brick by brick and shipped to Beamish. I replace of it we got ugly 1970's shops. Is that true?


Hi geordiejon

I have a fair bit of info on Beamish, and when I find it (!) I'll let you know what I can establish about where the 'Town Centre' buildings at Beamish come from.

Grant means Tyne Theatre can look to the future
July 8th 2010, by Tony Henderson, The Journal


The Victorian Journal Tyne Theatre is now off the at-risk register in what is a milestone step towards securing the future of the building.

Three years ago the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust took over the building in Westgate Road, which is leased to operators SMG Europe. With the help of a grant of £105,000 from English Heritage and backing from the city council, the trust has carried out repair work on the roof and drainage system.

It has also restored the proscenium arch.

Brian Debnam of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust, said: "The theatre is a unique and important building and we have managed to protect and weatherproof the fabric of the building which will prolong its continuing use as a vibrant centre for entertainment in the centre of Newcastle."

But he said that major investment would be needed in the next five to 10 years to maintain the building as a working theatre. This would include the complete refurbishment of the auditorium and the installation of lifts.

There are also long-term plans to open an exhibition centre on the history of the building and theatre architecture in Newcastle.


ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/07/08/warning-cuts-put-heritage-at-risk-61634-26808244/2/

Hi geordiejon

I have a fair bit of info on Beamish, and when I find it (!) I'll let you know what I can establish about where the 'Town Centre' buildings at Beamish come from.

The Co-op is from Annfield Plain

The Co-op is from Annfield Plain
It is!
And there are other buildings in Beamish which have also been painstakenly rebuilt there, having originally stood in Gateshead, Bishop A. and in Sunderland.

In exchange for the Co-Op, Annfield Plain seems to have received a maze.
Have you walked or cycled though it? Its a bit frightening in dusk, not to mention in the dark!

Historian is it correct that the front street buildings in Beamish are actually the front street from Whickham. I grew up in Whickham- and that is what i was told- that the beautiful stone front street was dismantled brick by brick and shipped to Beamish. I replace of it we got ugly 1970's shops. Is that true?


FURTHER to the replies by WilfBurnsFan and from DXNewcastle, on this, I have been able to find the following . . .


The Town at Beamish Museum represents a typical north eastern market town in the years leading up to the First World War. Trams rattle down the cobbled street, carrying visitors on their journey into the past.

At the west end of The Town is a Victorian park, with ornamental flower beds and a bandstand from Saltwell Park, Gateshead. Brass band concerts are held here on some summer Sundays.

Ravensworth Terrace came originally from nearby Gateshead. These fashionable houses were built for professional people and now represent the home of a Music Teacher, the home and surgery of a Dentist and a Solicitor’s office.

At the end of the terrace is The Sun Inn, originally from Bishop Auckland, which dates back to the 1860s. The Sun Inn is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks during museum opening hours.

Through the adjoining archway are the Town Stables where splendid Gelderlander carriage horses are accommodated. The Carriage House, complete with foreman’s office and shoeing forge, holds a fine display of horse-drawn vehicles.

In the Newspaper Branch Office the Stationer’s shop sells a range of specially selected cards, prints and copies of Edwardian stationery. Upstairs, a jobbing printer demonstrates the production of posters, business cards and advertising material.

Across the cobbled street is a Co-operative shop with three departments, grocery, drapery and hardware, which were taken from the much larger Annfield Plain Co-operative Society, dating back to 1870. The Co-op prided itself on providing ‘Everything from the cradle to the grave’.

The Motor & Cycle Works next door is a typical town garage of 1913. The Showroom displays new and second hand cars, including the magnificent, locally built 1907 Armstrong Whitworth. A host of parts are on view in the Spares department and in the workshop an articulated car is ‘under repair’.

A mouth-watering range of boiled sweets, like pear drops, winter warmers and a host of others, are made in the Jubilee Sweet Factory and sold in the Sweet Shop, alongside delicious toffees, fudges and other confectionery.

The fine four-storey branch of Barclays Bank was designed to give its customers a feeling of financial stability and security. Visitors take a peek into the underground vaults, admire the splendid banking hall and view the Manager’s Office.

The splendid Masonic Hall, from Park Terrace in Sunderland, allows visitors to see inside a typical meeting place and find out more about the world of Freemasonry in 1913. It is shown being prepared for an evening meeting of a craft Masonic lodge. Upstairs in the Museum Room, Masonic paintings and prints are hung on the walls and Masonic curiosities, jewels and artefacts are on display.


AND THIS . . .


Town

Re-enactors creating a period street scene at the museumThe town area, officially opened in 1985, depicts chiefly Victorian buildings in an evolved urban setting of 1913.[7] These include the Annfield Plain Co-Operative Store (with operating cash carrier system);[8][9] a terrace of "professionals"’ houses (from Gateshead), "occupied" by a music teacher, dentist's surgery and family home, and solicitor’s office; a pub (the Sun Inn from Bishop Auckland); town stables and carriage shed (utilising iron roof trusses from Fleetwood) housing an extensive collection of horse-drawn vehicles; a branch office of the Sunderland Daily Echo,[10] stationer’s and printshop; a sweet shop and manufactory; a garage; a branch of Barclays Bank (using components from Southport and Gateshead) and a masonic temple (from Sunderland). There is a bandstand (from Gateshead) in a public park, together with drinking fountains and other examples of street furniture.

During the winter season, the town is the only area of the museum with buildings open to the public. Future plans for the town include a shopping arcade, dispensing chemist (using fittings from Stockton-on-Tees[11]), as well as fire and police stations and other municipal buildings. The museum also has the components of an early cinema, and those of a gasworks from Milnthorpe.

Railway station

A typical North Eastern Railway station is reconstructed on the edge of the town. The station building itself came from Rowley just a few miles from Beamish, along with a signal box from Carr House East, near Consett, a goods shed from Alnwick and coal drops from West Boldon.

The station is dominated by the Regional Museums Store (completed in 2002, and externally disguised as "Beamish Waggon and Iron Works, estd 1857"), which Beamish shares with Tyne and Wear Museums. This houses, amongst other things; railway rolling stock and other vehicles; a large marine diesel engine by William Doxford & Sons of Pallion, Sunderland (1977); and several boats including the Tyne wherry (a traditional local type of lighter) Elswick No. 2 (1930).[12] The store is only open at selected times, and for special tours which can be arranged through the museum; however, a number of viewing windows have been provided for use at other times. Adjacent is an events field and fairground. The Westoe Netty has been reconstructed near the railway station, replicating its original location in Westoe, South Shields.

Colliery village

Reconstructed pitworks buildings showing winding gearIn view of the impact that coal mining has had on its region, the museum has major collections related to this industry.[13] Exhibits include the museum's Mahogany Drift Mine, a coal mine original to the site where it is possible to take an underground tour. The colliery is dominated by the regularly-steamed 1855 vertical 'Crowther' winding engine[14] (from the nearby Beamish 2nd Pit), screens (from Gateshead) and a waste tip. There are a number of industrial steam locomotives (including rare examples by Stephen Lewin, from Seaham, and Black, Hawthorn & Co), and many chaldron wagons (the region’s traditional type of colliery railway rolling stock, and which became a symbol of Beamish Museum).[15] There is usually a pit pony on site and the museum has a significant collection of safety lamps.

The surrounding village includes miners' cottages from Hetton-le-Hole, the Wesleyan Methodist chapel from Pit Hill,[16] and East Stanley Board School (which has led to a special relationship between the museum and the successor primary school). Evidence can be seen of traditional pastimes such as pigeon racing and quoits.


SO . .

I haven't yet found any references to Whickham, but I will keep my eye open for any.

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Laing Art Gallery to launch campaign to
bring John Martin paintings home
July 15th 2010, by Tony Henderson, The Journal

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/JohnMartin-Painter1.jpg
John Martin's Painting - 'The Bard'.

A CAMPAIGN is to be launched to bring home paintings by one of the North East’s most celebrated artists, John Martin.

The fundraising drive will kick off at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle on Monday, which is the birthday of the painter, who was born in Haydon Bridge in Northumberland.

The target is to pull in on-loan paintings to support a major John Martin exhibition which will be staged at the gallery next year.

It is expected that the exhibition will be the most comprehensive display of Martin’s work seen for more than 30 years and will feature works from the Laing’s 15-strong collection, and loans from Tate Britain and other galleries in the UK and abroad.

The aim is to acquire four paintings on loan from two galleries in the United States.

A John Martin Circle will be set up as a membership scheme for private donors who share an interest in the work of the artist and all the funds raised will help to secure the loans.

One of the paintings from the United States includes a version of Belshazzar’s Feast, completed in 1820, from the Yale Centre for British Art.

Julie Milne, curator of the Laing Art Gallery, said: “None of these pictures have been seen in the North East before and I would dearly like to feature them in the exhibition.

“However, we need to raise £15,000 to secure them for the Laing, which is why we asking people to help by joining The John Martin Circle.

“We hope that the exhibition will be enjoyed by many thousands of visitors when it is on show in the region next year.”

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/JohnMartin-Painter.jpg

FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/07/15/laing-to-launch-campaign-to-bring-home-john-martin-paintings-61634-26856496/

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Great North Museum in UK’s top 10
July 16th 2010. by Amy Hunt, The Journal


A Newcastle museum is among the most popular in the UK, new figures show.

The Great North Museum: Hancock, has attracted 910,000 visitors since it opened in May 2009 and hopes to hit the million mark this summer.

The figure saw it take its place as the top visitor attraction in the North East and also one of the top 10 most visited museums in the UK.

Alnwick Castle and Gardens together attract about 800,000 visitors a year.

At the Great North Museum, it is thought that 77% of visitors came from Tyne and Wear, 9% from the wider North East area and 14% were tourists from other parts of the UK and abroad.

The figures suggest that 120,000 visitors to the Great North Museum travelled from elsewhere in Britain or overseas. A 98% visitor satisfaction level was recorded and 97% of visitors said they were likely to recommend a visit to others.

The former Hancock Museum re-opened in May 2009 after a massive three-year £26m revamp. Bosses’ target was to hit 300,000 visitors a year.

Steve McLean, senior manager at the Great North Museum: Hancock, said: “We are overwhelmed by the popularity of the museum. We’ve been open just over a year now and the amount of visitors we have had has exceeded everyone’s expectations.

“We hope to greet our millionth visitor this summer, which means we will have tripled the original annual target.”


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/07/16/great-north-museum-in-uk-s-top-10-61634-26864301/

Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere, but there is an excellent exhibition currently on at the Laing Art Gallery. I was there this afternoon and I'll be going again tomorrow! Lots of excellent original watercolours and paintings of the city through the centuries. A must visit!

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing/newcastlereinvented/

Bosses kept in the picture as Arts Council cuts loom
August 3rd 2010, by David Whetstone, The Journal


ARTS organisations which receive regular Arts Council funding have been advised to plan for a 10% cut next year in anticipation of deeper cuts to come.

Representatives of the 70 regularly funded organisations in the North East attended a briefing at the Arts Council’s offices in Newcastle.

They were addressed by Jim Tough, the Arts Council’s area executive director, North, and by Alison Clark-Jenkins who runs the North East office.

In common with other arts organisations around the country, they were told future funding plans would hinge on Chancellor George Osborne’s publication of his spending review on October 20.

All Government departments except health and foreign aid, which are ring-fenced, have been told to expect cuts in real terms of 25% over four years.

This will include culture, media and sport, which funds the Arts Council.

Arts Council clients will find out in due course how much of the budget pain is to be passed on to them, although the funding body has campaigned for cuts to be brought in gradually.

To this end, 2010-11 is being viewed as transitional, signalling a major change in the way the arts are funded and giving organisations a chance to plan.

By the end of March next year the Arts Council will publicise its investment decisions for the following three years when it is possible some organisations will lose their funding altogether.

Cuts of 25-30% would mean “significant change”, those at the Arts Council briefing in Newcastle were told.


FULL (TWO PAGE) ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/08/03/bosses-kept-in-the-picture-as-arts-council-cuts-loom-61634-26983326/

The Martin exhibition would be fantastic - I'm tempted to shove a tenner in the box.

Eagles Have Landed opens at Segedunum
August 9th 2010, by Liz Walker, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/aug2010/1/1/segedunum-museum-curator-geoff-woodward-with-a-roman-bust-144022258.jpg

A dramatic new exhibition brings to life the impact of the arrival of the Roman Army on the people of the North East.

From spin and propaganda techniques to shock and awe tactics, The Eagles Have Landed features a wealth of stories that capture how the appearance of the soldiers in the region in the winter of 72/73AD affected civilian life.

The major exhibition is now on display at Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum in Wallsend and is part of their 10th birthday celebrations.

The Eagles Have Landed exhibition has been created by the team of experts at Carlisle’s Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, with help from Hadrian’s Wall Heritage.

Containing more than 40 precious artefacts, including armour fittings, leather tent fragments, coins, pottery and a Roman letter, the exhibition will bring history to life.

It examines several themes, such as “shock and awe”, “exploring supply and commerce, spin and propaganda”, and “relationships between Romans and local people”.

The exhibition’s creators hope to get across what it was like to be on the northern Frontier of the Roman Empire, and how we can compare that with events taking place now.

It is also part of a project to develop a ‘Roman Frontier: stories beyond Hadrian’s Wall’ Gallery and complementary tourism trail at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery and Carlisle, which aims to attract an additional 50,000 visitors a year.

For more information about the exhibition go to www.hadrians-wall.org
or, contact the Hadrian’s Wall Information Line on 01434 322002, or visit www.tulliehouse.co.uk

The exhibition will run until October 3.


ARTICLE HERE - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/08/09/eagles-have-landed-opens-at-segedunum-72703-27026439/

Exhibition celebrates 30th anniversary of Viz
August 13th 2010, by David Whetstone, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/oct2009/6/2/image-1-for-gallery-viz-comic-celebrates-30th-birthday-214754786.jpg
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/oct2009/5/2/image-3-for-gallery-viz-comic-celebrates-30th-birthday-495737498.jpg

SOME of the North East’s greatest brains have wowed audiences at the Lit & Phil in Newcastle.

George Stephenson demonstrated his miners’ safety lamp there in 1815 and electric lightbulb inventor Sir Joseph Swan lectured there in 1880.

Even today, with its huge library of old books, the place has an air of quiet erudition.

But maybe that should read until today.

For last night Viz co-founder Chris Donald officially opened the 30th anniversary exhibition of his mischievous mag in the Lit & Phil’s ground floor gallery, and between now and September 4 that studious atmosphere might be punctuated with the sound of raucous guffaws.

Amid the original artwork of Viz favourites such as Biffa Bacon and Roger Mellie, Lit & Phil board member Chris Purser said: “As far as we are concerned, Viz is quintessentially Geordie and Tyneside.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/oct2009/7/4/image-5-for-gallery-viz-comic-celebrates-30th-birthday-172886880.jpg

“The show was in London last year and someone said to them, ‘You are taking it to Newcastle, aren’t you?’. They hadn’t thought about it.

“We had the space and, frankly, this part of the place is under-used.”

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/oct2009/3/2/image-7-for-gallery-viz-comic-celebrates-30th-birthday-764166956.jpg


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/08/13/exhibition-celebrates-30th-anniversary-of-viz-72703-27055984/

Work beginning on Theatre Royal restoration
August 14th 2010, by Alastair Craig, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/aug2010/2/5/theatre-royal-restoration-360862715.jpg

LAYERS of history are peeling back at a Tyneside theatre. Colin Mitchell-Rose, an independent architectural paint researcher, elevated himself to access ornate plaster work in Newcastle's Theatre Royal auditorium yesterday.

Once up in the “Gods”, he drilled hundreds of tiny millimetre-wide sample holes to examine the colour of paint layers going back decades.

The work is the first phase in the research process to help inform the theatre’s £4.75m restoration.

That is expected to begin next year in time for the famous venue’s 175th anniversary which will be celebrated the year after in 2012.

The overhaul will recapture the grand style of Frank Matcham’s 1901 design, with 21st century technology to improve the experience for theatre-goers and performers. The drill samples, similar to profiling tree rings, will reveal every single application of paint applied to Matcham’s revered auditorium.

And the colour found to be the Matcham original will be the shade used in the multi-million pound revamp.

Colin said: “In the historic layers, gold is a predominant colour and the shades tend to be pale rather than dark.

“It’s difficult to say at this stage precisely what the original Matcham paint colour was, but our initial findings suggest pale tones.”


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/08/14/work-beginning-on-theatre-royal-restoration-61634-27060023/

(NB - Copy of the above article also posted on the Historic Newcastle thread)

Author helps Seven Stories celebrate birthday
Aug 16 2010 by Katie Davies, Evening Chronicle

CHILDREN’S author Dame Jacqueline Wilson is to be guest star at a special birthday bash.

Authors from across the country will come together to mark the fifth birthday of Seven Stories, in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, on Thursday.

And headlining the event is guest of honour Dame Jacqueline Wilson who will be returning to the centre for the celebrations.

The prolific writer, known for her popular children’s books, including the televised Tracy Beaker series, declared the centre open back in 2005. And she is one of a number of top children’s authors and illustrators to join in the festivities.


Full article here: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/08/16/author-helps-seven-stories-celebrate-birthday-72703-27071554/

Focus on fifth anniversary for Seven Stories
August 19th 2010, by Ruth Lawson, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/aug2010/1/6/seven-stories-founding-chief-exec-mary-briggs-right-and-current-chief-exec-kate-edwards-695194144.jpg

As Seven Stories celebrates its fifth birthday today, we talk to the women whose dream it was to open the renowned children’s literary haven. Ruth Lawson reports.

FOR five magical years, Seven Stories Centre for Children’s Books has cast a spell over young bookworms.

In these times of computer games galore, it has inspired countless youngsters to pick up a book and fire their imagination.

Co-founder Mary Briggs was one of the women who helped turn the seemingly impossible notion of creating a national collection of children’s books into a reality.

Alongside her fellow founding patron, Elizabeth Hammill, they set about turning the unique and innovative concept into an organisation that the country had never seen before.

It came at the same time the Chronicle launched a campaign to get families reading.

Our Great Family Read drive coincided with the opening of Seven Stories and we promoted reading, writing and literacy across the North East.

Mary said: “There was no place nationally where authors or illustrators could present their work and we thought ‘wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a place to collect it’. It was a brilliant idea that could really be done but we didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into. We opened up a bank account and put in £10 each.

“In a sense it was as simple as that but it was a lot of hard work and it took us 10 years to do.”

But their passion for children’s literature and its heritage eventually paid off after five years of planning and building up investment.

In 2005 Seven Stories opened its doors to the public and, as chief executive at the time, Mary helped mark the spectacular occasion by inviting children’s legend Jacqueline Wilson to open the centre.


FULL ( TWO PAGE ) ARTICLE HERE - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/08/19/focus-on-fifth-anniversary-for-seven-stories-72703-27094985/

Toilets and lights - spending a penny at the Angel of the North
Antony Gormley's relationship with the Angel of the North has been contradictory.

At first he didn't want the commission, self-confessedly snooty, saying he wasn't interested in creating "motorway art".

But the council persisted and Gormley relented.

Then, when plans for a visitor centre and illuminations were mooted, he put his foot down; he didn't want his work of art compromised.

But, it seems, plans for toilets on the site - despite some public antipathy - have met with the artist's approval.

In August 2010 Gateshead councillors agreed to build public conveniences near the Angel, following concern that many visitors to the landmark have been caught short.

A final decision on whether funding can be found for the project will be made in October.

Some critics of the idea say most people don't visit long enough to need the loo and they worry the toilet block will attract vandals, but Gormley doesn't object.

The head of property and design at Gateshead Council, Peter Udall, says: "As long as we moved them towards the far end of the site, he is quite content."

Crossed legs

It's not the first time the council have tried to build toilets next to the 66ft high sculpture.

Some 11 years after it was erected, in January 2009, work started on new parking next to the site, although a proposed toilet block never materialised.

Blame the economy. The council had its eye on an all-singing all- dancing pre-fabricated system from Europe that even cleaned itself.

But the credit crunch, the suddenly awful exchange rate and the realisation that the deal included an expensive maintenance contract meant the project was shelved.

The new loos will be more conventional, cheaper and probably more locally sourced.

But the council is in a similar position and won't know whether it can afford to let people spend a penny until its budget is known in October.

It's probably best that the council has time to think about the loos. The original plans involved a screen of trees and trees are a problem.

In June 2010, it was agreed trees planted around the angel would be cut down after Antony Gormley passed the sculpture on a train to Scotland and pointed out they obscured the view.

So, the artist is sympathetic to the call of nature, not surprising since he suggested loos in 1999, although, then, the council weren't enthusiastic.

But other plans to add to the Angel experience have not been so warmly received.

Preserving darkness

In August 1999, when the Angel wasn't yet two years old, Gormley was dismayed by council plans to make more of the sculpture's value as a tourist attraction by building a visitor centre on the site.

He said he didn't want his work of art to be used as a logo or trophy for the North East and, although he doesn't own it, he does have some control over how it is used.

Then, in May 2002, the question of lighting up the Angel at night resurfaced. The former leader of Gateshead Council, George Gill, said it was only a matter of time before it happened.

But the artist pointed out that his contract for the work controlled its future use and he would go to court to stop any attempts at illumination.

This 208 tonne treasure, holding court over the A1 and shielding Gateshead from harm with its jumbo jet sized wingspan, will no doubt continue to attract attention.

Not long after it went up in 1998 it was clothed in a football shirt with Alan Shearer's number on it; later that year an 18-year-old boy scaled it (in a mere 90 seconds) and stood with his arms outstretched (he was arrested for causing a breach of the peace at the bottom but escaped with a caution); and in April 2004 its popularity lead to one of the region's leading funeral organisers offering Angel shaped coffins.

And don't forget the limited edition men's briefs produced by Gateshead Council for Father's Day in 2008.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/48800000/jpg/_48800059_-67.jpg



Article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/tyne/hi/front_page/newsid_8928000/8928039.stm


I've always found it strange how the angel has never been lit up on a night. Personally I don't see why it shouldn't be, and not sure why Antony Gormley wouldn't want it to be either.

I love how it's not lit at night. I think it helps uphold part of the Angel's purpose as an unpretentious, subtle and honest structure - meant to reflect the region and its people.

I love passing it at dusk...when it becomes almost scary as it's a big dark, winged thing looming in the darkness....

I dunno...part of me feels that if it was illuminated, it would lose some of its charm and appear to be a brash and commercial thing. just my feeling :)

Top museum celebrates one million visitors
August 20th 2010, by Tony Henderson, The Journal


A leading museum is expecting to welcome its millionth visitor next week, underlining its status as the most popular visitor attraction in the region.

The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle attracted 67,000 people in its first week in May 2009 and crashed through its annual target of 300,000 visitors in less than three months.

It has since gone on to break all records for such a venue in the North East.

To mark its latest achievement, the museum will be hosting a celebratory day next Wednesday with free entry to its planetarium throughout the day as well as special craft activities for children. There will also be a cake cutting ceremony.

Incorporating collections from the original Hancock Museum, and Newcastle University’s former Museum of Antiquities and the Shefton Museum, the Great North Museum: Hancock brings the North East’s premier collections of archaeology, natural history, geology and world cultures together under one roof.

Professor Eric Cross, dean of cultural affairs at Newcastle University, said: “Eight years ago, a group of people had a vision to breathe new life into the Hancock Museum and the university’s archaeological museums. Newcastle University is immensely proud to have led the partnership which has turned that vision into a reality.

“The staggering success of the museum more than justifies its ‘Great’ title, and the best thing of all for everyone involved is that one million visitors agree”.

Ged Bell, chairman of Tyne & Wear Joint Museums and Archives committee, said: “A million people have now visited us at this world-class museum. The quality of the collections and the visitor experience has brought people back time and time again. We have had an amazing response from visitors over the last year and we look forward to welcoming millions more to the Great North Museum over the years.”

Peter Davis, chairman of the Natural History Society of Northumbria, said: “We are totally delighted with the astounding success achieved by the museum. Its exhibitions and educational activities have clearly had a major impact, attracting new audiences and many thousands of repeat visits.

“It is also encouraging to see so many people, including university students, now utilising the library and archival resources, and that plans for increasing the research capability of the museum will soon reach fruition with the completion of a resource centre where the society’s collections are held”.

David Breeze, President of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle, also welcomed the achievement. “We have been collecting archaeological objects from the North East for nearly 200 years and are delighted that the society’s archaeological collection has received a new lease of life through the creation of the Great North Museum and that it is helping visitors to appreciate the rich history of this special part of Britain,” he said.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/08/20/top-museum-celebrates-one-million-visitors-61634-27099689/

The World Premier of a new production of CHESS . . .
http://icethesite.com/default.aspx?articleID=499


CHESS - to open in Newcastle
February 01, 2010, UPDATED August 25th 2010


Newcastle's Theatre Royal will host CHESS from Friday 27 August to Saturday 11 September 2010.

It will then embark on a national tour!

CHESS, directed by Craig Revel Horwood, kicks off in Newcastle prior to a major national tour. Tickets on sale from 9PM on Saturday 6 February. More details as they emerge.

From the Theatre Royal's website:

"The legendary West End and Broadway musical CHESS is coming to Newcastle. Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood directs an amazing cast in an extraordinary new staging of the classic musical which will premiere here at the Theatre Royal before embarking upon a major, national tour.

Written by Tim Rice, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and featuring one of the greatest musical theatre scores of all time including ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK, PITY THE CHILD, ANTHEM, YOU AND I and, of course, I KNOW HIM SO WELL which became a best selling single for Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.

Public booking opens Saturday 6 February 2010. Become a Friend of the Theatre Royal and book from Tuesday 2 February!

Make your move now and book for the musical sensation that is CHESS. Call the Box Office on 08448 11 21 21, Group Sales on 08448 11 21 22."

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Chess-30thAugust20102.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Chess-30thAugust20101.jpg

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^^

Chess the musical opens for world premiere
September 2nd 2010 by Gordon Barr, Evening Chronicle

http://media.kyte.tv/store/007/bor/1009/02/11/2592854-tm270810chess6_460_345.jpg?v=20100902T122305Z&h=7a8c620b842b276ac359547436a79c6c

IT was check mate as Newcastle hosted the world premiere of Chess the musical.

Written by Abba’s Benny and Bjorn with lyricist Tim Rice, the show got a standing ovation at the city’s Theatre Royal last night, where it is playing for two weeks before embarking on a national tour.

Standing with the rest of the audience was Tim Rice, who was there to witness a startlingly new take on the show, which includes numbers like I Know Him So Well and One Night In Bangkok.

"It was fantastic,” he said at the after-show party. “I think Benny and Bjorn would be over the moon with it.

“It is so different to any production I have seen of it, and to have its world premiere in such a beautiful theatre, well, it is amazing.”

http://media.kyte.tv/store/007/bor/1009/02/11/2592874-tm270810chess19_230_345.jpg?v=20100902T122326Z&h=5ae26b011abd5eef0f68a071c9aeeaf8

At the helm of Chess is Wallsend-born producer Michael Harrison, who enlisted Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood to direct the show.

Both were there last night and Michael said: “It is a bit of a risk taking on Chess.

“You cannot beat the score or the book, but some productions of it have not been well received. It is a big show to tackle. But Craig has done everyone proud - and the cast are truly incredible.”

http://media.kyte.tv/store/007/bor/1009/02/11/2592812-tm270810chess24_460_345.jpg?v=20100902T122329Z&h=18d8d8ecdc6711bacc8f8cdf5684730a

Review:

I MAKE no bones about it, I am a huge fan of the musical Chess.

That said, it is an incredibly difficult production to stage and several attempts at it in the past have failed miserably.

But that is certainly not the case with this incredible new staging, at the hands of Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood.

I thought the original West End production, which I saw in the late 80s was, basically, unbeatable.

Never underestimate the creativity of Mr Horwood though - and here he may have produced possibly the ultimate staging of Chess.

I was enthralled from beginning to end and, despite the show being nearly three hours in length, I could have sat there and watched it all again... and again..and again.

http://media.kyte.tv/store/007/bor/1009/02/11/2592895-tm270810chess32_460_345.jpg?v=20100902T122334Z&h=95de0d51e3f38c0c13616629d4ca1bbb

The Theatre Royal should be proud to be the first venue to host the show, thanks to its producer Michael Harrison, a Wallsend lad who admitted to me beforehand he knew it was a risk to take on a production of such huge proportions.

His beaming smile at the end of last night proved sometimes the biggest risks are worth taking!

Chess was written by ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson with lyricist Tim Rice.

Set in 1979/80, with the backdrop of the Cold War, it focuses on the World Chess championships, where an American takes on a Russian.

But that is just skimming the surface of the story - what unfolds is a dramatic love triangle, in which the American’s partner leaves him for the Russian under the glare of immense media attention.

Horwood has focused on these relationships and his staging tears at the heart in places.

From the off you know you are in for something special.

http://media.kyte.tv/store/007/bor/1009/02/11/2592856-tm270810chess26_460_345.jpg?v=20100902T122331Z&h=1b024d62da2bde3dedce8d89d61cbd8a

There is no orchestra here - instead the instruments are played on stage by the actors themselves, with no sheet music to help them on their way, while they wrestle with the mammoth task of some of the biggest and most difficult songs in musical theatre history, plus they have to act out the drama AND dance at the same time too.

Mind-boggling - and they pull it off to astonishing effect.


FULL ARTICLES HERE . . .
1 - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/09/02/chess-the-musical-opens-for-world-premiere-72703-27186621/
2 - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/entertainment-in-newcastle/theatre/2010/09/02/review-chess-the-musical-theatre-royal-72703-27187742/

North East museums fear for future as funding cuts loom
September 9th 2010, by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/apr2010/3/0/great-north-mueseum-hancock-museum-892521461.jpg

MUSEUMS on Tyneside may have to drop big exhibitions or reduce their opening hours as ministers prepare huge funding cuts, it has been warned.

Mark Taylor, director of the national Museum Association, said Tyneside faced a double blow as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport prepares to make a 25% budget cut while councils await news of huge funding reductions.

Mr Taylor said that once arts groups in Tyneside knew the result of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review in October they would be asked to set out plans for drastic savings.

These will likely include reduced opening hours and only a limited amount of cash for major exhibitions, he said.

One other option would be to close key venues one day a week to save money.

Tyne and Wear Museums and Archives group – which includes sites such as the Discover Museum, the Great North Museum and the Laing Art gallery – would consider site closure as a last option, Mr Taylor said.


FULL ( TWO PAGE ) ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/09/09/north-east-museums-fear-for-future-as-funding-cuts-loom-61634-27231979/

It's just constant doom and gloom in the news. :ohno:

Engine back in working order at Woodhorn Museum
September 9th 2010, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/sep2010/9/5/woodhorn-museum-engine-75234122.jpg

A POWERHOUSE piece of equipment which played a vital role in the coal production process at a Northumberland pit has been restored to working order as a visitor attraction.

The huge winding engine at the former Woodhorn Colliery near Ashington was used for many years to move miners, equipment and coal up and down the pit shaft on a daily basis.

After the colliery closed in 1981 and was converted into a mining heritage museum, the engine continued to turn and was on show to visitors.

However, its working parts finally ground to a halt about 10 years ago, and it was mothballed.

Now, following six months of painstaking work by a specialist engineering company, the engine has been restored to working order.

It will resume its role as one of the biggest attractions at the flagship Woodhorn Museum and Archives Centre, which was revamped at a cost of £16m some years ago.

Visitors will be able to see the winding engine back in action for the first time this weekend, as part of the national Heritage Open Days initiative.

Yesterday Woodhorn director Keith Merrin said he was delighted that the massive machine had been brought back into working order.

“The winding engine is central to the operation of a deep mine by providing the means to move men, equipment and, of course, coal up and down the shaft.

“We hope that visitors to the winding house will now have a greater appreciation of the workings of a coal mine, and the scale of the whole operation.


FULL ( TWO PAGE ) ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/09/09/engine-back-in-working-order-at-woodhorn-museum-61634-27231472/

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BALTIC to host the Turner Prize in 2011 - http://jacklowestudio.co.uk/blog/?p=897


BALTIC to host the Turner Prize in 2011
September 15th 2010.

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News has just been announced that in 2011 BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is to become the first host of the Turner Prize outside the capital.

This is fantastic news for the Arts here in the North East and, of course, BALTIC.

As the current host, Tate Britain, describes:

“The prize is awarded each year to a British artist under fifty for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the twelve months preceding.”

I have always been proud to work with BALTIC over the years and no more so than now.

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Turner Prize comes to Gateshead's Baltic art centre
September 16th 2010, by David Whetstone, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/sep2010/4/5/turner-prizewinner-richard-wright-243592208.jpg

THE Turner Prize, Britain’s most famous and reliably controversial art competition, is breaking new ground by coming to the North East.

Baltic, Gateshead’s centre for contemporary art, has been chosen to host the competition next year.

It will be only the second time the competition has been staged away from Tate Britain, in London.

In 2007 it was staged at Tate Liverpool as part of the build-up to the city’s year as European Capital of Culture 2008.

It was deemed a success and the plan now is to hold the competition at Tate Britain and at a gallery outside London in alternate years.

Baltic has been chosen as the first non-Tate gallery to host the Turner Prize, which is worth £25,000 to the winner and £5,000 to each of the other three shortlisted artists. Baltic director Godfrey Worsdale will be one of the four judges on a panel chaired by Penelope Curtis, director of Tate Britain.

Although the rules for the Turner Prize have changed over the years, it is currently awarded each year to a British artist under the age of 50 for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the preceding 12 months.

The four artists shortlisted for the 2011 Turner Prize will be announced in April.

An exhibition of their work will run at Baltic from October 21 next year until January 8, 2012, and the winner will be announced at the Gateshead gallery in December next year.

Mr Worsdale said: “In its short history, Baltic has become recognised as a gallery where the ideas around new art can be interrogated, debated and engaged with at many levels, and its audiences continue to animate and increasingly inform that dialogue. If there is any exhibition of contemporary art in the UK today that embodies that interaction, it must surely be the Turner Prize.”

He said hosting the Turner Prize would provide an excellent opportunity for the gallery to widen and deepen this debate with its visitors.

And he added: “Importantly, the collaboration also demonstrates Tate’s sincere commitment to fulfil its national role as well as strengthening the partnership between our two institutions.”

“This is fantastic news for NewcastleGateshead, and our ambition to be seen at the forefront of creative industry and cultural regeneration. It will further boost our visitor economy and we look forward to what other interests are generated in NewcastleGateshead as a result.”

Alison Clark-Jenkins, regional director of Arts Council England, said: “Baltic is one of the most ambitious visual arts organisations the Arts Council supports and we are delighted that people in the North East will have the opportunity to see the exciting new British art which the Turner Prize represents.”


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/09/16/the-turner-prize-we-are-just-so-made-up-about-that-61634-27277410/

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Great British Art Debate exhibition arrives in Newcastle
September 18th 2010, by David Whetstone, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/sep2010/9/5/watercolour-692200564.jpg

Watercolour paintings by a Who's Who of famous artists will go on show at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle today, in the first major exhibition of the
'Great British Art Debate'.

William Blake, JMW Turner and a host of Pre-Raphaelites contribute to Vision & Imagination which features paintings from Tate Britain, major municipal collections in Norwich and Sheffield and the Laing Art Gallery, where the exhibition runs until December 5.

The Great British Art Debate is the result of a collaboration between these four major collections and its aim is to get us thinking about what British art has to say about identity and Britishness.

Sarah Richardson, keeper of fine art at the Laing, said the exhibition was also designed to encourage people to think afresh about watercolour painting.

She said: “The golden age of watercolours is said to be 1780 to 1850, taking in artists like Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Cotman.

“They are really great painters but theirs is not the only story of watercolours in Britain. In this exhibition we are also showing different aspects of watercolour and different stories.”

Sarah said the title of the exhibition, Vision & Imagination, reflected the achievements of the great watercolour artists in making paintings full of atmosphere and light. To look at the world in that way they had to have great imagination,” she explained.

“These artists were moving on from just recording gentlemen’s estates in a topographical way and responding to the romantic movement in literature and art.” Turner’s limpid landscapes verging on the abstract are grouped on one wall. Some are tiny reminders that he painted outdoors in the years before rail travel and had to carry his materials in his pockets. Tate Britain has loaned 10 paintings by William Blake, the famous visionary artist and poet, in what Sarah believed was a first for the Laing.

One shows Cerberus, the three-headed monster which guards the third circle of Hell where gluttons are punished.

The biggest painting in the exhibition is The Annunciation by the Pre-Raphaelite Edward Burne Jones, a massive Biblical image in watercolour and gold leaf which is on loan from Norwich.

One of the smallest is by Elizabeth Siddall who is best known as the red-haired model, muse and wife of another Pre-Raph, Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

She is seen in a Rossetti painting which was done shortly before she took an overdose of laudunum in 1862.

Gallery visitors are invited to contribute to the Great British Art Debate via a website, www.greatbritishartdebate.org , and to a supplementary exhibition, Imaginary Worlds, featuring watercolours by members of the public, which is to open on November 1.


Read More http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/09/18/great-british-art-debate-exhibition-arrives-in-newcastle-61634-27291106/#ixzz0zroeMnhg

£13m could give Laing Art Gallery future hope
September 28th 2010, by Tony Henderson, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/sep2010/8/3/the-laing-art-gallery-in-newcastle-is-in-need-of-major-development-according-to-a-new-study-419174496.jpg

A STUDY to be considered this week will outline a range of options for a £13m upgrade that could save a city centre art gallery from decline.

Architects Sir Terry Farrell and Partners and consultants Turner and Townsend have examined what could be done to reinvigorate the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle.

One of the reasons for the project is to investigate how the gallery could make the most of its location next to the new City Library and the pending major redevelopment of the East Pilgrim Street area.

The results of the study will go before Thursday’s meeting of the Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums committee.

The 1904 gallery was given a new series of children’s galleries, a new entrance and gallery space in the 1990s, and the Barbour Watercolour Gallery in 2004 .

Next month sees the opening of the glass-walled Northern Spirit Gallery, which will house works from the Laing’s collection by artists who have been inspired by the North East.

But in a report to the meeting, Iain Watson, acting director of Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, says : “Despite this important new development, there is little doubt that the Laing is in need of major redevelopment.

“It is too small to display a significant proportion of its collections, there is no dedicated exhibition space, learning spaces are inadequate, the cafe is awkwardly located in what should be a gallery space, and study facilities are limited.

“Although the Laing is still attracting 280,000 visitors per year, there is a significant risk that its popularity and usage will wane unless it undergoes redevelopment.”

The study proposals include improved public spaces and refurbishment of galleries, the creation of a dedicated temporary exhibition gallery with environmental and security features to attract national exhibitions, a new education facility, a new cafe and restaurant, better toilet, baby care and family facilities and systems to reduce energy use.

Space at the back of the gallery, which includes a former garage and livery stables and which is used for storage, could also be exploited.

Another suggestion is to work with the City Library on how public space between the two buildings could be used.

Talks will now be held with Newcastle City Council and other organisations on a fund raising strategy.

Mr Watson said yesterday: “This is a difficult time to talk about fundraising, but we are looking to the future.”


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/09/28/13m-could-give-laing-art-gallery-future-hope-61634-27353856/#ixzz10oGgm2DM

Sting to become honorary president of Tyne Theatre
October 5th 2010, by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/oct2009/4/5/sting-860683275.jpg

NORTH East rock legend Sting is among a group of showbusiness legends who have lent their support to one of the region’s most historic cultural buildings.

The Wallsend-born superstar will today be announced as an honorary vice-president of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust after lending his name to the ongoing campaign to preserve and restore the Grade I-listed Journal Tyne Theatre.

Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, creator of the 1983 guitar classic Local Hero, and film director Mike Figgis will also become honorary vice-presidents.

Trust secretary Mike Summersby said: “Our list of honorary vice-presidents reads like a roll call of North East entertainment royalty.

With support from Newcastle City Council, the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust became owners of the theatre in 2008.

Their first task was to draw up plans to tackle long-standing problems with the fabric of the theatre, particularly repairs to the roof and brickwork to make the building watertight.

The programme of urgent and immediate works was completed earlier this year with financial assistance from English Heritage.

Trustees are now looking at a range of architectural options for further restoration and refurbishment of the theatre.

The Journal Tyne Theatre is one of the oldest theatres still in use in the country.

Built in 1867, it impressed Victorian audiences with its lavish blue, cream and gold auditorium, three horseshoe-shaped balconies and tiers of boxes.

The National Theatres Trust described the venue as “one of the finest of its date in Britain”.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/10/05/sting-to-become-honorary-president-of-tyne-theatre-61634-27401253/#ixzz11TIrpyX1

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This story has a definite 'crossover' with the NEWCASTLE ART thread - so a copy has also been posted on there.

Northern Spirit displays opens at Laing Art Gallery
October 15th 2010, by David Whetstone, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/oct2010/2/0/laing-art-gallery-northern-spirit-530492552.jpg

STUNNING Art Treasures are coming out of storage to grace a new display dedicated to the region’s rich artistic history.

Among the items being displayed in the Laing Art Gallery’s new Northern Spirit display yesterday was a huge painting of Swan Hunter’s yard at Wallsend.

Painted in 1954 by Newcastle artist Thomas William Pattison, it shows the building of the tanker La Hacienda.

The wall-sized painting, which is called On The Tyne – Shipbuilding, was bought by the Laing in 1956 but has not been on public view for many years.

Another eye-catching exhibit is a wood carving by Gerrard Robinson, a 19th Century Newcastle blacksmith’s son whose talent enabled him to build up a fashionable clientele in London before he moved back to the North East.

The elaborate Northern Spirit woodcarving shows a boar hunt with knights on horseback riding through woodland.

Laing Art Gallery curator Julie Milne said: “It hasn’t been on public view but I’ve been walking past it for years and I thought, I’d really like to show that.”

Northern Spirit replaces the old walk-through Art on Tyneside display which told the history of the area in a series of small rooms.

But Julie said the decision was taken two years ago to replace it with a new permanent display focusing more on the quality of North East art.

She said: “You can still see the history of Tyneside in the new display but it celebrates the intrinsic qualities of the art as well. I think the new display will give people the opportunity to concentrate more on the art and it will enable us to show more pictures.”

Grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Government and Newcastle City Council helped to meet the £1,057,000 cost of Northern Spirit.

The display is divided into three rooms called River and City, Artists’ Stories and Artists and Communities, with glass walls meaning the art is more immediately visible to people entering the Laing.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/10/15/northern-spirit-displays-opens-at-laing-art-gallery-61634-27475474/#ixzz12PpT0oWN

I think 'Libraries' could fall under the description of this thread?

Anyway, good news about Newcastle City Library . . .


From the 'Chronicle Extra' of 3rd November 2010.
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/IMG.jpg

Just a bit about NORTHERN STAGE, found on 'Paul J White's' Site . . .
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauljw/4555585773/sizes/o/in/photostream/


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/4555585773_27792b5699_o.jpg


Northern Stage . . .

The theatre's beginnings were in 1970 when it was called "The University Theatre" (because of the large support given by the University) and it had been built to replace The Tyneside Theatre Company's old building (the 'Flora Robson Playhouse') which was demolished in a road-widening scheme (the proposed new 'Coast Road Motorway').

The Tyneside Theatre Company continued to use the University Theatre until 1977.

The theatre was eventually renamed as the Newcastle Playhouse (and Gulbenkian Studio) until 2006.

It re-opened in August 2006 as Northern Stage after a £9 million refurbishment.

Northern Stage cellar bar occupies the space that was previously the "Foyer Bar" in the University Theatre/Newcastle Playhouse years. It was a very popular venue for live music.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/CellarBar.jpg

Northern Stage is a theatre and producing theatre company based in Newcastle upon Tyne. It is adjacent to Newcastle University's city centre campus on King's Walk, opposite the students' union building.

It hosts various local, national and international productions in addition to those produced by the Northern Stage company.


Their Website has current productions but no sense of history:
www.northernstage.co.uk/

Wkipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Stage,_Newcastle_upon_Tyne

A bit more background:
www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O79-NewcastlePlayhouse.html


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I can perhaps add a couple of additional detailsThe Tyneside Theatre Company continued to use the University Theatre until 1977.This then became the Tyne Wear Theatre Company, which did actually produce work in Sunderland as well as Newcastle; it re-located to the Tyne Theatre on Westgate Road for a period in the 1980's and the managing company was the Tyne Wear Theatre Trust. The name and the remit reflects the boundary of the Local Authority until 1985 - Tyne And Wear.

Northern Stage cellar bar occupies the space that was previously the "Foyer Bar" in the University Theatre/Newcastle Playhouse years.Although that space was indeed the Foyer thoughout the buildings' life, it was actually intended as a cellar bar by the architects. The intended foyer was to be one floor above this, raised above the carpark at the front. Some of you may remember looking at the front of the building and seeing two rectangular panels on the first floor at either side of the foyer below (often used for poster displays), well these were portals for the never-built raised foyer, which would have allowed audiences to walk straight through to the back of the auditorium at either side. The cellar bar would be a small ancilliary bar as was popular in theatre design in the 1970's.

Of course the funds were never forthcoming to build the intended foyer so the cellar bar served as the foyer, box office and bar, extended somewhat in the 1990's by building outwards to either side and thereby increasing its capacity.

Region's culture is put under threat from cuts
November 18th 2010, by Joanne Butcher, The Journal


THE future of the region’s leading museums has been put at risk after the Government announced plans to withdraw more than £2.5m in funding.

Officials at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have announced plans to pull their annual grant to Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums.

Venues such as the Great North Museum and the Discovery Museum have been told they will have to look elsewhere for a substantial chunk of their running costs.

Losing the grant, which currently represents around 15% of the organisation’s budget, could see some the region’s best-loved cultural attractions forced to axe exhibitions or cut opening hours.

Ministers want to rid themselves of any responsibility for regional art venues within four years.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/11/18/region-s-culture-is-put-under-threat-from-cuts-61634-27672415/#ixzz15ccG3nGW

Arts supremo makes case for the region
December 8th 2010, by Sarah Scott, The Journal


A LEADING arts figure has slammed the Government for not putting money into cultural projects and urged ministers to recognise the value of the regions as the axe falls.

Sir Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate galleries in London, spoke out against the proposed cuts to the budgets for culture and arts education at the Turner Prize awards at the Tate Britain on Monday.

He also commended regional art work in places such as Gateshead, where the Turner Prize will be presented at the Baltic next year, and emphasised its importance to the future of the arts.

In his speech before the presentation of the award, Sir Nicholas said all were concerned by proposed cuts to arts budgets.

He emphasised throughout his speech the importance of regional art galleries for future generations.

He said: “Cities such as Nottingham, Gateshead, Walsall, Middlesbrough, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester, have been enormously enriched by new galleries showing outstanding contemporary art and also by our art schools which have been laboratories for new ideas.”

“Art should continue to be accessible to all, no matter where you live or indeed whatever your wealth,” he added.

Sir Nicholas also blasted the Government for not putting money into the arts. Speaking to students from Arts Against Cuts after the awards, Sir Nicholas said: “You have to support people who are concerned about education because that shows that the Government isn’t doing what it should be doing.

“In fact, it is doing the opposite of what it should be doing because it is not putting money into the arts which is where it should be,” he said.

He told the audience at the awards that regional galleries have provided a space for artists and many Turner Prize winners to showcase their work.

He said: “Many of the artists here tonight were first inspired to think of themselves as artists by an encounter with a work of art in one of the great regional museums or galleries across this country and furthermore, many of the Turner Prize winners have been shortlisted because of the exhibitions that they have made in these regional museums.”

The Tate has developed a close relationship with the North East art scene.

Anthony Sargent, general director at The Sage Gateshead, said: “Baltic hosting the first ever Turner Prize outside the Tate Gallery is a reminder of the international level the arts in Newcastle Gateshead have now reached.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/12/08/arts-supremo-makes-case-for-the-region-61634-27786537/#ixzz17Vikbgwy

Bryan Ferry is back on the Tyne to show artwork
January 3rd 2011, by Linda Richards, Evening Chronicle


NO expense was spared to make supermodel Kate Moss feel like a goddess when she posed for the cover of Bryan Ferry's latest solo album. Now, fans can get an insight into the glitzy photo shoot when an exhibition of the Roxy Music frontman's album and book Olympia go on display at the Baltic Gallery for Contemporary Art.

The photographs shot by Adam Whitehead and directed by the rock star will be showcased at the Gateshead riverside venue from January 15 to 25.

Moss is seen posing seductively wearing just a diamond necklace and red lipstick in the shots inspired by Édouard Manet's painting Olympia. They are being shown alongside iconic images taken from the original Roxy Music album sleeves, going on display for the first time.

The exhibition coincides with a return to the North East for the Washington-born singer who studied fine art at Newcastle University.

On January 22, he will be at the Baltic for an exclusive event in conversation with Michael Bracewell, who has written extensively about him, including the book Re-make/Re-model which explores how Ferry's time at Newcastle Uni under the teaching of artist Richard Hamilton influenced the style and sound of the band. The evening will provide fans with a unique chance to hear him talk about his musical career and private art collection, highlights of which went on show for the first time last year for the benefit of the Maggies Cancer Caring Centres charity.

The legendary singer is one of eight famous names from the world of art and music who have pledged their support for the gallery. Antony Gormley, David Shrigley, twins Louise and Jane Wilson, Yoko Ono, Melvyn Bragg, Sting, Neil Tennant and Ferry are the first Honorary Patrons whose role will be to champion the gallery.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/01/03/bryan-ferry-is-back-on-the-tyne-to-show-artwork-72703-27924866/#ixzz19zE5ZeMZ

Exhibition hails Byker's top catwalk snapper
January 7th 2011 by Linda Richards, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/jan2011/3/6/mara-helen-wood-director-of-the-gallery-with-some-of-chris-moore-s-photos-484359335.jpg

HEMLINES rise and fall but Newcastle-born Chris Moore is constant. He’s one of the world’s most celebrated catwalk snappers and reckons he’s taken more than a million photos during his career spanning five decades.

And from today, around 50 stunning shots from his massive collection go on show in the Northumbria University Gallery.

Among those gracing the walls are photographs of Madonna, Kate Moss, Yves Saint Laurent, as well as supermodels and top designers from around the globe.

Born the son of a butcher, Chris, 76, was brought up in Byker, and although he moved to the South when he was four he still regards himself as a Geordie.

He has had a home in Allendale, Northumberland, for more than 40 years, where he escapes from his hectic life travelling the world training his camera on the catwalks of Milan, Paris, London or New York.

“This is a major coup for the gallery because he is a really busy man,” said gallery director Mara-Helen Wood.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/01/07/exhibition-hails-byker-s-top-catwalk-snapper-72703-27946946/#ixzz1AMChjbuj

Northern Stage cellar bar occupies the space that was previously the "Foyer Bar" in the University Theatre/Newcastle Playhouse years.

I can add additional detail. Although that space was indeed the Foyer thoughout the buildings' life, it was actually intended as a cellar bar by the architects. The intended foyer was to be one floor above this, raised above the carpark at the front. Some of you may remember looking at the front of the building and seeing two rectangular panels on the first floor at either side of the foyer below (often used for poster displays), well these were portals for the never-built raised foyer, which would have allowed audiences to walk straight through to the back of the auditorium at either side. The cellar bar would be a small ancilliary bar as was popular in theatre design in the 1970's.

Of course the funds were never forthcoming to build the intended foyer so the cellar bar served as the foyer, box office and bar, extended somewhat in the 1990's by building outwards to either side and thereby increasing its capacity.


That is really interesting and historical information, I was not aware of the original plans to have a raised foyer at that level. I well remember the front of the building had those two rectangular panels on the first floor at either side of the foyer below, and they ended up often being used for poster displays . . . but I never knew what they were.

I think I should have made more use, back in the 1970s, of a bloke called Peter Stevens who lived in the house next door to us for years. He was (I seem to remember) the first director of the (then called) 'University Theatre'!!

Sadly, I didn't speak to him much!


Although (in these 1995 photos) the University Theatre had already changed to Newcastle Playhouse, you can see the mentione "portals' clearly . .
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4086715705_4b1df30e1e_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4087473770_34eba814dc_o.jpg


Also, just because it is taken from the same angle as the 2nd of the two photos above, here is a 1969 photo of thePresbyterian Church Barras Bridge, that was originally on the site of the theatre, being demolished . .
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/4078874614_ce8a984911_o.jpg


Finally, the actual 'lower floor' FOYER, as it was in 1980 . .
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/4081466408_61c5942e54_o.jpg

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This is bad news, in today's Evening Chronicle, in my view.

I'll be honest, I have enjoyed being the RSCs "third home", as they have always described Newcastle for the last 33 years since 1977, and I NEVER wanted to see a year again without an RSC Season.

Once the 'habit' is broken, it's never quite the same, we'll see . . .


Cash cuts force RSC to miss out Tyneside
by Gordon Barr, Evening Chronicle, January 25th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/jan2011/4/7/sir-ian-mckellen-and-sylvester-mccoy-with-fellow-actors-outside-the-theatre-royal-to-mark-the-rsc-s-30th-season-in-newcastle-in-2007-377131074.jpg
Sir Ian McKellen and Sylvester McCoy with fellow actors outside the Theatre Royal in 2007

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced it is missing out Newcastle for the first time since it started its seasons in the city in 1977.

Michael Boyd, artistic director of the RSC, announced today that due to funding cuts the company will not be bringing a season of plays to the city this year but plans to resume the long-standing relationship within 2012.

The RSC is, however, taking the shows that played to Newcastle audiences last year to New York City this summer.

“The RSC is proud of its relationship with Newcastle and the North East, and we very much regret we are unable to bring a season of plays to the city this autumn because of pressures on our funding,” he said.

“Our education and events departments are exploring other ways of programming work in the region during 2011 and we are applying to the Arts Council to support a return with full productions from 2012 onwards. “As a result of the demands placed on us by the opening of the Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres and the need to absorb a 6.9% cut in funding for 2011/12, we have taken the decision to concentrate on our work in Stratford this year.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/01/25/cash-cuts-force-rsc-to-miss-out-tyneside-72703-28050125/#ixzz1C3GUWdPo

This is pretty horrendous news, and I really hope they keep to their word about it being a one-off. Can't help but think the worst, though.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/01/25/cash-cuts-force-rsc-to-miss-out-tyneside-72703-28050125/


Their offering in Newcastle has been slipping for a few years...remember when they used Northern Stage (and Playhouse) too? I remember their line about Newcastle being 'Every year, we proudly transfer our operations to the city's venues and enjoy over a month of performance and education activities across the city'.

They used to preview or premiere pre-Stratford/London work in Newcastle and it was the city/region's link to the London-centric arts world. There was a time when every theatre bod and critic would travel out of 'town' and up to Newcastle for the RSC......

In the past few years the educational work has still continued and they've supported the odd event at L!ve, but they've just been playing 3 big shows at the Theatre Royal - and for a good 2 weeks less than the traditional Newcastle season.

Not sure if many of you have noticed the awful programming (and I hear dire house figures) at the Theatre Royal of late (since Peter Sarah died and Bernays took over, funnily enough)...but I can't help but think this may be another long-standing relationship at major risk for what was once a 'number 1 touring' venue...

The Arts Council funding excuse, in my opinion, isn't too valid. They have a commitment to make flagship projects like this, and bring the World's premiere classical theatre company to the poorer regions. The RSC have spent millions on their new Stratford homes and new base at London's Roundhouse...and they've got PLENTY of cash in their pockets before funding really affects them.


A little rant there, and possibly a tad prematurely cynical, but wanted to explore some of the background to my upset at this news!

That's a damn shame, there's always a good buzz around when the RSC are in town.

I remember bumping into Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen on Grey Street year before last when they were up with the RSC.

And with the Theatre's new refit too it would have been a perfect setting. Interesting to see what they plug the gap with (hopefully not more Glee style z-lister musicals)

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This is bad news, in today's Evening Chronicle, in my view.

I'll be honest, I have enjoyed being the RSCs "third home", as they have always described Newcastle for the last 33 years since 1977, and I NEVER wanted to see a year again without an RSC Season.

Once the 'habit' is broken, it's never quite the same, we'll see . . .


Cash cuts force RSC to miss out Tyneside
by Gordon Barr, Evening Chronicle, January 25th 2011



I wonder if the fact that the THEATRE ROYAL is closing between March and September 2011 for its refurbishment has influenced this decision?

Nah, they'll have scheduled that work very carefully to make sure it was open in time for the RSC Autumn season...and I'd have put money on them hoping the RSC did a triumphant re-opening celebration performance.

I think if they'd thought the RSC wouldn't have done a season, they may have let the works carry on longer to ensure being totally ready for panto season. No doubt there'll be some hasty shoddy programming to plug the void!! A dark theatre isn't a money-making theatre...

I can imagine the RSC's directors spent at least 3 seconds when considering the benefits of going to New York (potential benefactors, freebies all round) over maintaining a relationship with Newcastle.

Sir Ian McKellen has criticised the decision too.

Be interested to see what plugs the gap (please no circus shows, reality tv star musicals or anything to do with Glee)

Alarm over cuts to arts in the North East
by Adrian Pearson, The Journal, January 27th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/aug2010/5/6/theatre-royal-94565858.jpg

THE threat to arts in the North East has been raised in Parliament, with a warning that the Government is risking the region’s cultural renaissance.

Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell has called on ministers to look again at support for theatre groups as funding cuts threaten to undermine the city’s cultural achievements over the last 10 years.

Millions of pounds have been wiped off funding for North East arts organisations as part of a 30% cuts to Arts Council budgets and further blows passed on the by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Ms McKinnell says this and funding cuts at Newcastle Council will see touring companies left with no choice but to miss out Newcastle, and jobs likely to go across Tyneside.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/01/27/alarm-over-cuts-to-arts-in-the-north-east-61634-28063348/#ixzz1CFeGLR32

Call for action on North East arts funding
The Journal, February 2nd 2011


LORD Jeremy Beecham, speaking to The Journal last month, recalled the collective efforts made since the late 1950s to create a strong regional infrastructure to promote economic regeneration.

He stressed the need to reaffirm that unity of purpose across political, industrial and local divides when that infrastructure was being dismantled by central Government. I believe the same urgent collective action is required to address the same phenomenon in the field of culture.

The case is made against the backdrop of recent achievements by the cultural sector in the region that are unparalleled nationally, exceptional by the highest international standards and under the most serious threat.

Since the abolition of Tyne and Wear County Council and the 1990 Gateshead National Garden Festival first brought the regional cultural ‘team’ together, we have seen spectacular successes. Our world and national heritage sites, our museums, creative industries, performing, literary and visual arts have been transformed in scale, ambition, quality and popularity.

All this has had significant economic impact and there are signs of new levels of participation, aspiration and achievement among young people.

This has only been possible because of the unique levels of co-operation between the sector and local government here. It built the foundations for co-operation with the regional development agency, One North East, and the business, voluntary and higher education sectors. The “Big Society” before its time.

Only 25 years ago we were heading for the cultural third division. We are now in the premier league if not yet at the top of it.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/02/02/call-for-action-on-north-east-arts-funding-61634-28099947/#ixzz1CnNiHE7d

That is really interesting and historical information, I was not aware of the original plans to have a raised foyer at that level. I well remember the front of the building had those two rectangular panels on the first floor at either side of the foyer below, and they ended up often being used for poster displays . . . but I never knew what they were.
<snip>

Finally, the actual 'lower floor' FOYER, as it was in 1980 . .
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/4081466408_61c5942e54_o.jpg

I have an article on the opening in a theatrical periodical which mentions the intent to link to first floor level at a later date. I worked there as a casual circa 1974/75 and the foyer ended flush with the flanking walls, the control suite above forming a canopy over the two sets of doors. The doors were located in the two alcoves with the horizontal slabs above & there were both inner and outer doors to minimise drafts. The original outer foyer wall would have been located just behind where the man with the pink top is sitting.

Edit: I don't remember the carpet being that horrible!

I remember being told that it seated 449 because if it had one extra seat it would have needed a safety curtain (or ridiculous levels of scenery fireproofing), something definitely not wanted with an open stage.

Cash cuts leave The Tyneside Cinema in trouble
by Adrian Pearson, The Journal, February 9th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/feb2011/5/3/tyneside-cinema-mark-dobson-image-2-188284412.jpg

THE region’s top alternative cinema is facing financial uncertainty as a result of Government cuts.

With just weeks to go before the new financial year, the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle is still waiting to see if there will be any interim funding to help it continue its specialist work.

The Government’s decision to scrap the UK Film Council has created funding chaos, with Newcastle’s Lord Shipley calling on the coalition Government to show its commitment to arts outside the capital.

Tyneside Cinema bosses say they are prepared for a reduction in funding of anywhere up to 40% spread out over the next four years, but have heard nothing on the settlement needed this April.

The continuing uncertainty, and the chance of a 100% budget cut, would see the cinema look again at how it funds specialist screenings and community work, although there is no suggestion of the cinema closing.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/02/09/cash-cuts-leave-tyneside-cinema-in-trouble-61634-28138517/#ixzz1DSA1v1bG

Not sure about the maritime museum, but it s effectively the building that used to have the Live Theater bar. It s next to the archway that leads into the parking behind

Suppose it could be the same place, sad day when the Museum closed.

http://www.fototime.com/AEF914E08695FFF/standard.jpg

Suppose it could be the same place, sad day when the Museum closed.

http://www.fototime.com/AEF914E08695FFF/standard.jpg


Excellent photo Steve, yes it was a sad day indeed when it closed.

I had a fair few dealings with the Captain (whose surname I can't remember) who was running the place in the early 1990s . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/TrinityMaritimeMuseuma.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/TrinityMaritimeMuseum001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/TrinityMaritimeMuseum.jpg

.

Excellent photo Steve, yes it was a sad day indeed when it closed.

I had a fair few dealings with the Captain (whose surname I can't remember) who was running the place in the early 1990s . . .



Good to see the brochure - all water under the bridge now but a bitter pill to swallow when the Museum was forced to close.

I managed to take some photographs of the inside displays - see http://www.fototime.com/inv/4ED9409BFB38E48

Seven Stories uncovers Enid Blyton novel
by Kim Carmichael, The Journal, February 24th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/feb2011/6/3/hannah-green-archivist-at-seven-stories-shows-visitor-millie-peacock-the-rare-manuscript-638117883.jpg
Hannah Green, archivist at Seven Stories, shows visitor Millie Peacock the rare manuscript

A MANUSCRIPT of a previously unknown Enid Blyton novel has been discovered in the North East Children’s Book Centre.

Mr Tumpy’s Caravan is a 180-page fantasy about a caravan with a mind of its own. It features a princess in a foreign land, a dog-headed dragon and a pet dog called Bun-Dorg. It was included in a collection of manuscripts auctioned in September and bought by the Seven Stories centre, in Newcastle‘s Ouseburn Valley.

Seven Stories (originally known as 'The National Centre for the Childrens Book') paid £40,000 for the archive, which includes draft copies of the Famous Five, Secret Seven, Noddy and Malory Towers stories, following the death of Blyton’s elder daughter, Gillian Baverstock.

At first, staff believed it to be a version of a comic strip collection entitled Mr Tumpy and His Caravan, which was published in 1949. However, after consulting experts they realised that the characters and plot were entirely different, and only the name remained the same.

The address on the typescript - Old Thatch, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire - dates it to early in Blyton’s writing career, as she left there in 1938.

The book was authenticated by Tony Summerfield, head of the Enid Blyton Society who described the finding as “unique”.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/02/24/seven-stories-uncovers-enid-blyton-novel-61634-28224647/#ixzz1EsMSFObM

Good to see the brochure - all water under the bridge now but a bitter pill to swallow when the Museum was forced to close.

I managed to take some photographs of the inside displays - see http://www.fototime.com/inv/4ED9409BFB38E48

Years ago the modelmakers from the Planning Dept made a model of the Quayside showing the layout of the Chares. I made the little sacks that were on the Quayside! I also helped paint the model. My name is underneath some of the buildings! Wonder what happened to it after the museum closed?

Cheers
GBDT

Years ago the modelmakers from the Planning Dept made a model of the Quayside showing the layout of the Chares. I made the little sacks that were on the Quayside! I also helped paint the model. My name is underneath some of the buildings! Wonder what happened to it after the museum closed?

Cheers
GBDT

I'm sure that a lot of exhibits that weren't on loan to the Maritime Museum went into the collection at the Discovery Museum at Blandford Square- hopefully that is where the model you mentioned will be.

When we closed the HMCE Regional HQ at 39 Quayside in 1998, I was able to donate a number of Historical Artefacts to the Museum.

The way we did it was to "transfer ownership" from Newcastle to the National HMCE Museum at Queens Dock, Liverpool, and they 'loaned' the Artefacts to the Trinity Maritime Museum.

I assume (I had left that work area by then) that when the Trinity Maritime closed down, Liverpool took the loaned artefacts back to the National Museum.

I have some photos of the loaned Artefacts (taken inside the Trinity Maritime) which I will try to find!!

Prior to that, we had organised an exhibition, in 1983, inside the Trinity Maritime Museum. They were always very helpful . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TercentenaryoftheExcise-1983_0001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TercentenaryoftheExcise-1983_0002.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TercentenaryoftheExcise-1983_00012.jpg

Years ago the modelmakers from the Planning Dept made a model of the Quayside showing the layout of the Chares. I made the little sacks that were on the Quayside! I also helped paint the model. My name is underneath some of the buildings! Wonder what happened to it after the museum closed?

Cheers
GBDT

Wasn't this model by any chance?

http://www.fototime.com/8A51DFB895FBCD7/orig.jpg

That looks good!

I also remember seeing a model of Newcastle & Gateshead Quays made to illustrate the 1854 fire (with special effects - press a button and a red light-bulb cast a fiery glow over the scene). This was in the Joicey Museum in the Holy Jesus Hospital, c1990-91, just after I'd moved to Newcastle. Is that model still about? I don't remember seeing it in the Discovery Museum, but could well be mistaken about that.

That looks good!

I also remember seeing a model of Newcastle & Gateshead Quays made to illustrate the 1854 fire (with special effects - press a button and a red light-bulb cast a fiery glow over the scene). This was in the Joicey Museum in the Holy Jesus Hospital, c1990-91, just after I'd moved to Newcastle. Is that model still about? I don't remember seeing it in the Discovery Museum, but could well be mistaken about that.

I was going to say it's few years since I was in the Discovery Museum until I realised that the last time was when I took my son and his mates to look around. He must have been about 13 then and is now 23 :ohno:

Anyway, cannot say that I saw the model you mentioned, but I was delighted to see was a model of the Tyne Bridges that allows the Swing Bridge to be opened manually using a brass handle. This was a favourite of mine from the days in my childhood that we would go into the Museum of Science and Engineering in Exhibition Park.

I was delighted to see in the Discovery Museum, a model of the Tyne Bridges that allows the Swing Bridge to be opened manually using a brass handle.

This model was a favourite of mine from the days in my childhood that we would go into the Museum of Science and Engineering in Exhibition Park, where the model used to be.


Ah yes, the Museum of Science and Engineering, in Exhibition Park, with the original Turbinia Gallery and all that.

This brochure is from the early seventies, and they seemed to be 'slightly modernising' the original name at that time (calling it "The Science Museum", for some reason) but it was still (really) the Museum of Science and Engineering.

Housed, as it was, in the LAST of the old 1929 North East Coast Exhibition, temporary buildings. It was "The Palace of Arts" at the 1929 Exhibition.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MuseumofScienceandEngineering-ExPark_0001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MuseumofScienceandEngineering-ExPark_0002a.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MuseumofScienceandEngineering-ExPark_0003.jpg
.http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MuseumofScienceandEngineering-ExPark_0004.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MuseumofScienceandEngineering-ExPark_0002.jpg

Ah yes, the Museum of Science and Engineering, in Exhibition Park, with the original Turbinia Gallery and all that.

This brochure is from the early seventies, and they seemed to be 'slightly modernising' the original name at that time (calling it "The Science Museum", for some reason) but it was still (really) the Museum of Science and Engineering.

Housed, as it was, in the LAST of the old 1929 North East Coast Exhibition, temporary buildings. It was "The Palace of Arts" at the 1929 Exhibition.



Another excellent brochure NH, you certainly have a good collection :)

Funny how things stick in the memory, the wooden floors spring to mind for some reason.

I suppose one advantage of the move to Blandford House was that TURBINIA could be better displayed as the gallery at Exhibition Park was too narrow to do her justice.

I wonder if the model railway that used to be operated behind the building is still in operation?, years since I was in Exhibition Park and wonder how the building is faring these days.

It was a shame that it was forced to close when it hosted the MILITARY MUSEUM ans that was also a decent was to spend some time.

Here's a couple of scans:
http://www.fototime.com/A7C6992A59E837F/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/E5ADD7EB2389485/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/A358CDE3A11EAA2/orig.jpg

Here's another Newcastle model:

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/AnotherModel.jpg


By the way:

Housed, as it was, in the LAST of the old 1929 North East Coast Exhibition, temporary buildings. It was "The Palace of Arts" at the 1929 Exhibition

Has anyone ever bothered with any archeology on the site. There must be a large amount of structure just under the grass - I wonder if the bridge footings are still there in the pond ?

.

Wasn't this model by any chance?

http://www.fototime.com/8A51DFB895FBCD7/orig.jpg

Brilliant Steve. That's the one!

Cheers

GBDT

Here's another Newcastle model:

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/AnotherModel.jpg

.

The City Centre model in St Marys Church next to the Sage Gateshead. It was here to promote the Capital of Culture bid. This was the last time it was see all in one piece. It can now be seen in the Members Lounge at Newcastle Civic Centre. It's too big for the room so the east quayside/ouseburn bit has been put in another part of the room. It's also been extended to include all of the Science City site.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5477268421_7c68db6b7b_b.jpg
P&T Image Archive, NCC

Cheers
GBDT

The City Centre model in St Marys Church next to the Sage Gateshead. It was here to promote the Capital of Culture bid. This was the last time it was see all in one piece. It can now be seen in the Members Lounge at Newcastle Civic Centre. It's too big for the room so the east quayside/ouseburn bit has been put in another part of the room. It's also been extended to include all of the Science City site.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5477268421_7c68db6b7b_b.jpg
P&T Image Archive, NCC

Cheers
GBDT

No its not that one. I had to do a 'legal' job in Newcastle Civic centre and happened to see it. It s close to various meeting rooms on the 6th, or was it the 8th floor. I took the pic because it shows home, or rather where home is, plus a reasonable townscape

Here's another Newcastle model:

By the way:

Has anyone ever bothered with any archeology on the site. There must be a large amount of structure just under the grass - I wonder if the bridge footings are still there in the pond ?

.

Wouldn't have thought that there would be any burning desire or indeed resources to carry out a dig of something so "modern" and very well documented/photographed.

Anyone know who made the very large model of Newcastle?

No its not that one. I had to do a 'legal' job in Newcastle Civic centre and happened to see it. It s close to various meeting rooms on the 6th, or was it the 8th floor. I took the pic because it shows home, or rather where home is, plus a reasonable townscape

The photo that you have posted is of the City Centre model in the Members Lounge, floor 1. You can tell by the full length windows. The modelmakers were based in Planning on 10th floor (previously 8th floor).

The last of the modelmakers is standing next to the chap in the photo. He doesn't like any publicity so I had to airbrush him out!

Cheers

George

While on the topic of models, don't forget the model of the River Tyne, made for the 1929 Exhibition, and now on display in the Tyne Gallery at the Discovery Museum - a woderful piece of work.

I wonder what will happen to the old 'Hadrian's Wall' that used to be in the Museum of Antiquities? The new one in the GNM just doesn't do it for me, interactive interpretation screen thingies or no interactive interpretation screen thingies.

While on the topic of models, don't forget the model of the River Tyne, made for the 1929 Exhibition, and now on display in the Tyne Gallery at the Discovery Museum - a woderful piece of work.

I wonder what will happen to the old 'Hadrian's Wall' that used to be in the Museum of Antiquities? The new one in the GNM just doesn't do it for me, interactive interpretation screen thingies or no interactive interpretation screen thingies.

Is this the one from the 1929 Exhibition Wilf?

http://www.fototime.com/6022B5CB2361FAD/orig.jpg

That's it! A beautiful piece of work. i could look at it for hours.

In fact. I think I'd have it as my Desert Island Discs luxury. That or a pipeline to the Newcastle Arms.

The photo that you have posted is of the City Centre model in the Members Lounge, floor 1. You can tell by the full length windows. The modelmakers were based in Planning on 10th floor (previously 8th floor).

The last of the modelmakers is standing next to the chap in the photo. He doesn't like any publicity so I had to airbrush him out!

Cheers

George

I saw this model a few times when it was on display at the Hattan Gallery for a while, around about 1998. I was told at the time by someone who seemed to know what they were talking about, that 'proposed' buildings were made out of polystyrene, and replaced by wooden models when they were completed.

It is an impressive sight, and it's a shame more people can't enjoy it.

I saw this model a few times when it was on display at the Hattan Gallery for a while, around about 1998. I was told at the time by someone who seemed to know what they were talking about, that 'proposed' buildings were made out of polystyrene, and replaced by wooden models when they were completed.

It is an impressive sight, and it's a shame more people can't enjoy it.

It is an enormous thing. Certainly the science city stuff was polystyrene, but I must admit [and I can't stand this up on oath] it looked more as if that was simply because of a sort of generational change. Certainly some existing buildings [Travlodge and Manor Chare] were also in styrofoam.

Funnily enough i's not complete; note that in the foreground Sallyport House, Melbourne House, Marconi House and the Old Tramway Generator building are missing. Marconi might be an omission because it s fairly new but it s a surprise that the others are not there. It might be those models are sitting on someone's desk as an executive toy :)

It is an enormous thing. Certainly the science city stuff was polystyrene, but I must admit [and I can't stand this up on oath] it looked more as if that was simply because of a sort of generational change. Certainly some existing buildings [Travlodge and Manor Chare] were also in styrofoam.

Funnily enough i's not complete; note that in the foreground Sallyport House, Melbourne House, Marconi House and the Old Tramway Generator building are missing. Marconi might be an omission because it s fairly new but it s a surprise that the others are not there. It might be those models are sitting on someone's desk as an executive toy :)

Al Reetson is right. Any proposed major developments were model in blue polystyrene. This was so that any changes that came about due to discussions between planners and developers could be modeled quickly. Once they were built they would be modeled in wood.

The last of the modelmakers retired from my section in 2002 - just about when the main photo was taken. He did come back to make a few addition to it and update it now and again over the years. the last magor update, Science City was done by an external firm of modelmakers (about 2008/9). As far as I know that was the last time it was updated - I retired early in 2009.

So Newcastlepubs is right aswell as it is not uptodate. There are some blue foam models that haven't been turned into wooden models although they have been built. This is probably due to not having enough time to get it done before he retired or lack of funds afterwards.

Please remember that the model was never meant to be a presentation model. It was purely a working model that would show any proposed developments in relation to other buildings. This was for Councillors, officers and developers. This is why it looks a bit basic in the main photo. Before the Capital of Culture photo the Gateshead side was only there to hold up the bridges! The Baltic bit was only added a few days before the opening,

After the CoC bid we were asked to display the model for a couple of months in the Members Lounge at the Civic. Nearly 10 years later it is still there! We tidied it up to show the river in blue plastic, made the Gateshead side a solid landform, added a proper edge, etc. It should still be there, even though not every Councillor was happy with it over the years. There were calls to put it in a skip a couple of times! Luckily Senior Councillors have protected it so far.

Cheers

GBDT

Al Reetson is right. Any proposed major developments were model in blue polystyrene. This was so that any changes that came about due to discussions between planners and developers could be modeled quickly. Once they were built they would be modeled in wood.

The last of the modelmakers retired from my section in 2002 - just about when the main photo was taken. He did come back to make a few addition to it and update it now and again over the years. the last magor update, Science City was done by an external firm of modelmakers (about 2008/9). As far as I know that was the last time it was updated - I retired early in 2009.

So Newcastlepubs is right aswell as it is not uptodate. There are some blue foam models that haven't been turned into wooden models although they have been built. This is probably due to not having enough time to get it done before he retired or lack of funds afterwards.

Please remember that the model was never meant to be a presentation model. It was purely a working model that would show any proposed developments in relation to other buildings. This was for Councillors, officers and developers. This is why it looks a bit basic in the main photo. Before the Capital of Culture photo the Gateshead side was only there to hold up the bridges! The Baltic bit was only added a few days before the opening,

After the CoC bid we were asked to display the model for a couple of months in the Members Lounge at the Civic. Nearly 10 years later it is still there! We tidied it up to show the river in blue plastic, made the Gateshead side a solid landform, added a proper edge, etc. It should still be there, even though not every Councillor was happy with it over the years. There were calls to put it in a skip a couple of times! Luckily Senior Councillors have protected it so far.

It s certainly impressive. Given its function as you describe I guess that this sort of thing [showing council, officer and developers] is now done on a rather flash PC rather than with models. What you say makes certainly sense with the model-makers retiring.

It s certainly impressive. Given its function as you describe I guess that this sort of thing [showing council, officer and developers] is now done on a rather flash PC rather than with models. What you say makes certainly sense with the model-makers retiring.

The original plan was to change over to digital modelling in early 2000. The City Centre model was to be replicated in digital format. At the time Teeside and Northumbria Uni's were at the forefront of this type of work. But the costs involved and the expertise needed to operate the system were beyond the dept/council's budgets. So it was put on hold. Over the years we have ended up with a piecemeal digital modelling. Nothing has replaced the City Centre model. What we have tends to be based on new developments over the last 5 years or so. There appears to be no centralised digital model to replace the physical one.

Cheers

GBDT

Is this the one from the 1929 Exhibition Wilf?

http://www.fototime.com/6022B5CB2361FAD/orig.jpg

When the old Rates Hall at the Civic was being modernised there was a plan to do something similar to the City Centre model - put it in a glass case, suspended on a wall. But the cost were horrendous :nuts:

Glad it was as there is something special in being able not only to look at our city centre from above, but to also get down to street level and look up an down streets.

Cheers

GBDT

John Martin exhibition opens at the Laing Art Gallery
by David Whetstone, The Journal, March 5th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/mar2011/5/8/john-martin-exhibition-being-set-up-by-staff-at-the-laing-art-gallery-in-newcastle-935916589.jpg

A MAJOR exhibition of work by 19th-Century artist John Martin has proved heavy work for gallery workers.

The show opening today at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle will feature 80 oil paintings, watercolours and prints, including some on loan from Tate Britain, private collections and overseas.

And some of the pictures by the Northumberland-born painter are so heavy that a crane had to be used to get them in place.

The exhibition about John Martin, who grew up in Northumberland in the 1790s and was apprenticed in Newcastle, is the most extensive for 40 years.

Laing curator Julie Milne said: “We are devoting the whole of the first floor to it which is unusual. This is the biggest exhibition we have done, certainly in my time here.”

Some of Martin’s early works, and the ones for which he is least famous, are tiny landscapes. But he is best known for his massive canvases showing Old Testament scenes of doom and destruction.

One of the Laing’s rooms features the three enormous paintings which together are called The Last Judgement. They were painted just before the artist died in 1854 and the following year they went on tour, being shown at one point in the Victoria Rooms on Grey Street, Newcastle.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/03/05/john-martin-exhibition-opens-at-the-laing-art-gallery-61634-28281525/#ixzz1FiLp6HZt

Ah yes, the Museum of Science and Engineering, in Exhibition Park, with the original Turbinia Gallery and all that.

This brochure is from the early seventies, and they seemed to be 'slightly modernising' the original name at that time (calling it "The Science Museum", for some reason) but it was still (really) the Museum of Science and Engineering.

Housed, as it was, in the LAST of the old 1929 North East Coast Exhibition, temporary buildings. It was "The Palace of Arts" at the 1929 Exhibition.



Thought folk might be interested in this video that shows the relocation of TURBINIA from the Exhibition Park to the Discovery Museum:

AefE-sXygyU

http://www.fototime.com/E5ADD7EB2389485/orig.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/exhibitionpark.jpg

Stephen Tompkinson hails Live Theatre cash boost
by James Moore, The Journal, March 12th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/jan2011/4/9/stephen-tompkinson-42104692.jpg

ACTOR Stephen Tompkinson has hailed a cash boost to a theatre that will support young talent in the region.

The Live Theatre yesterday saw a unique writers’ room named by the TV actor, who has been on stage in Newcastle in recent weeks.

The Benfield writers’ room celebrates a £100,000 investment Live Theatre has received from the North East’s largest independent motor group, Benfield.

The money will be used to support the wealth of education and outreach work to be carried out by the theatre over the next five years.

Stephen, star of Wild at Heart, DCI Banks and Ballykissangel, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time performing at Live Theatre over the last few weeks and when I was asked to help name this room I was delighted to be of assistance.

“The support Benfield Motor Group is giving Live Theatre to invest in the creative talent of the future is fantastic and something that they should be very proud of.

“Having a writers’ room is vital because without them actors would be speechless.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/03/12/stephen-tompkinson-hails-live-theatre-cash-boost-61634-28322821/#ixzz1GNTVUXqA

.
We have talked about the Trinity Maritime Centre / Museum on this forum quite a few times. It provided us with something that we in Newcastle really appreciated, the stories of our Maritime History. Yet, it was set up, then it closed.

I had a few dealings with the Museum over the years, as I mention below . . .


Yes, as you suggest, a 'Maritime Museum' would be excellent along East Quayside, and a museum of our maritime history in Newcastle is sorely needed since the demise of the TRINITY MARITIME MUSEUM a few years ago.

Its closure was a really major loss to the City and the Quayside area in particular.

During my period of time working on the Quayside, I got to know the "Captain" in charge of the Museum, quite well. He was a captain, but (sadly) I just cannot remember his surname right now.

I was involved in lending his museum a number of ARTEFACTS belonging to the organisation I was working for at the time. We had to take them back when the rental costs for the premises the museum occupied became too high for them to afford, and they sadly closed down.

I have some of my own photos somewhere, but in the meantime, here are a few memories of the place . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/TrinityMaritimeMuseuma.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/TrinityMaritimeMuseum001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/TrinityMaritimeMuseum.jpg


Each time I posted about this, I said I couldn't remember the name of "The Captain" who I dealt with, who ran the place. He was a great character!

NOW, I have just found a booklet (that I had forgotten I had) which gives his name. It is . . . Captain George William Clark.

In addition to 'Artefacts' (which I leant him) he was regularly trying to obtain the use of The Long Room at Custom House (39 Quayside) as a replacement for his museum premises, as he knew (correctly) that the time was coming when they wouldn't be able to afford where they were.

Sadly, it was not within my power to influence matters, so I could not help him (though I did try!). The big room he wanted is now a large room within the new Trinity Chambers, who took over Custom House in 1998.

The booklet (that I mentioned) that I have now found, tells us all a lot more about the sadly-lost 'Trinity Maritime Centre'. It is actually a booklet that Captain Clark gave me (he no longer needed it) and it is their detailed appeal for funds to open the Museum.

It contains lots of details.

It is sad to realise that they were successful with this fantastic project . . . but that now we have lost it.


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TrinityMaritimeCentreAppealBooklet_0001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TrinityMaritimeCentreAppealBooklet_0002.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TrinityMaritimeCentreAppealBooklet_0003.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TrinityMaritimeCentreAppealBooklet_0004.jpg
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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TrinityMaritimeCentreAppealBooklet_0007.jpg
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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TrinityMaritimeCentreAppealBooklet_0011.jpg

Newcastle City Council introduces library charges
by Andy Hughes, Evening Chronicle, March 21st 2011


LIBRARIES will charge for book reservations in a bleak new chapter dubbed 'a tax on reading'. Newcastle City Council chiefs are introducing a rise in fees and charges in an attempt to cope with a shortfall in funding.

But the plans have come under fire from politicians who say increasing prices will punish readers.

The move comes after the Chronicle revealed up to half of the city’s 18 libraries could be turned into self-service book borrowing points.

Tony Durcan, the council’s director of culture, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “Newcastle library service is an award-winning, high performing service.

Although we are implementing a series of budget efficiencies, there are no plans to either reduce opening hours or close any libraries, which is happening elsewhere across the country. “Our plans to increase charges for specific services are being introduced so that we can further protect front-line services. The majority of library services nationally do make charges for book reservations and have traditionally done so.”


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/03/21/newcastle-library-charges-fury-72703-28375802/#ixzz1HEzf1pEO

North East Arts Groups face double round of cuts
by Rachel Wearmouth, The Journal, March 28th 2011


THE region’s arts and heritage groups are facing a double whammy of spending cuts which could be disastrous for their future, MPs will warn today.

The Culture Select Committee fears that many North East organisations could fold as swift and drastic cuts are brought to bear by both central Government and local authorities.

Smaller groups and those located outside bigger urban areas are vulnerable, particularly as many of the funding reductions are being implemented quickly, the committee says.

The report comes as the Arts Council prepares to announce that it can only support around half of the organisations that need its help.

The report says: “Across the board, we acknowledge the concerns of arts organisations about the reduction in arts spending by local authorities, in combination with spending cuts from the Arts Council and we note that the impact of this ‘double whammy’ could be disastrous for some arts bodies.”

The committee also stress the importance of preserving the region’s heritage, as “once lost, it is gone forever”.

MP for Newcastle North Catherine McKinnell said: “Our regional theatre and arts heritage are facing an uncertain future".


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/03/28/north-east-arts-groups-face-double-round-of-cuts-61634-28414049/#ixzz1HsZKBvas

.
I have just received the below e-mail from the SIDE GALLERY . . .

Side Gallery faces closure

WHAT HAS HAPPENED?

At 7.40am this morning, Side was informed that it will not be included in the Arts Council's National Portfolio Funding strategy and therefore, from 2012 onwards we will no longer receive revenue from our main funding source.

So, what does this actually mean for Side Gallery, Side Cinema, Side Photographic Archive, Amber Film Archive, Amber Online & SideTV and for the thousands of visitors, educational institutions, participants and photographers with whom we engage and work?

To put it bluntly, this cut is a major threat to the entire organisation’s future. Side is a unique asset, not only because of what it has provided for the region and nation for over four decades, through its extensive archive and challenging film & photographic exhibitions, but also internationally via its long-term and significant contribution to post-war British photography via it's commissioning policy.

Although this decision is a major blow to Side, we will now take time to consider other funding options and as our aptly named forthcoming exhibition states: ' A Luta Continua! / The Struggle Continues!’ we will not go down without a fight.

Finally, everyone at Amber Side would like to send their heartfelt condolences to all of the other organisations that have lost their funding too; it is a very sad day for British culture and the arts!

Regards
Kerry Lowes, Peter Scott, Ellin Hare, Graeme Rigby, Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, Peter Roberts, Annie Robson & Kate Siou (Amber Collective CIC)


WHY?

The Arts Council has axed Side Gallery as a revenue client in its ‘National Portfolio’. The reasons for the decision are:

1. The gallery is part of a collective and therefore doesn’t have a board;

2. The gallery needs Arts Council funding and therefore isn’t sustainable;

3. There are too many galleries dedicated to humanist documentary photography in Side’s geographical location.

This flies in the face of the fact that the collective has continued to deliver what is unquestionably the strongest cultural legacy created in the North East over the past 40 years. Unlike many Arts organisations, its egalitarian collective governance has meant Side Gallery has never approached the Arts Council or Northern Arts for a bail-out. It is the only gallery in the country dedicated to documentary photography.

A detailed response is listed further down the page:


WHAT YOU CAN DO!

If you believe the funding cut to be a bad decision, make a comment or describe what Side means to you personally, please write to us at: side.gallery@amber-online.com

Remember: This is public money and you have a right to complain if you do not agree with how it is spent!

We will pass on all comments to the Arts Council and any letters of support may prove to be invaluable in securing other funding.

We are currently preparing our strategy and will be in touch shortly to inform you of our plan of action.

However, until then, please feel free support us by attending our exhibition opening event of 'A Luta Continua!' this Saturday (2 April) at 2pm.


OUR DETAILED RESPONSE TO THE DECISION

CONTEXT

In January 2010, at a meeting with the Arts Council to discuss the underfunding of Side Gallery, it was suggested by the regional director that, comparing its funding with that of other appropriate organisations, the appropriate level of support, then, should be in the vicinity of £174,000.

Side received £62,500 in 2010/11. In the meeting ACE acknowledged the very high levels of output achieved on such funding and the scale of what it achieved when, as with the Culture10 funded Reinventing the City festival, it was enabled to liberate the full resources of the organisation.

In its application for National Portfolio funding it sought to build funding levels to £180,000 by 2014, so that it could make full use of the extraordinary cultural resources it holds.

GOVERNANCE

In its decision to award no National Portfolio funding at all for Side Gallery, it cited an apparently ‘weak governance’, which they explain as ‘Governed by Amber Collective, no Board.

Roles between operations/management/governance blurred, structure questionable with potential to present risks.’ Side Gallery is part of Amber Film & Photography Collective cic. Amber has been an egalitarian collective since 1969. Unlike many arts organisations, since it opened in 1977, Side Gallery has never approached arts funders for a bail-out. It has always taken full responsibility for its commitments.

Throughout its history it has continued to build what is one of the region’s most significant cultural legacies in the past 50 years. Clearly the structure has proved its capacity to deliver reliably.

In an egalitarian collective, ‘operations/management/governance’ are not ‘blurred’ – all members take full moral, legal and artistic responsibility for all the work. This is one of the reasons the structure has been so consistently and efficiently successful.

The way in which it works was outlined in a document supplied as part of Side’s application. The assessment seems to boil down to the fact that, despite 40 years of evidence to the contrary in Amber’s work, the Arts Council quite willfully chooses to believe that arts practitioners cannot take reliable ownership of their own work.


FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

It cited financial instability. It is true that there is, as there has been for 40 years, uncertainty around the funding Amber’s work. Film funding is up in the air. The group is currently involved in major plans to develop the sustainability and accessibility of the buildings and its internationally significant film and photography archive, which do present risks.

There has never been a time when Amber has not faced such uncertainty. Only a month or so ago, Arts Council directors were joking about Side Gallery’s ability to survive difficult times. Whilst acknowledging Amber/Side’s record of income generation, the latest Arts Council annual review points out that it’s underfunding undermines the organisation’s development capacity.

Centrally, the argument appears to be that sustainability is reliant on Arts Council of England Funding, so we won’t give them any.


ARTFORM

In addition to the Arts Council’s unsustainable assessments around Governance and Finance, they make the bizarre argument that there were ‘too many strong/good applications for work in this artform and this geographic location’. Elsewhere, the assessment acknowledges that Side is ‘the only dedicated documentary photography space in the north east.’ There is in fact no other gallery in the country dedicated to the crucial narratives of humanist documentary. This uniqueness and cultural importance in Side Gallery’s work was amply made in a powerful and moving set of testimonies from internationally renowned photographers, which was attached to the National Portfolio application. Audience perception of this uniqueness, importance and value of Side Gallery’s work can always be witnessed in the copious entries in the exhibition comments books. A representative selection was attached to the application.


ARTS COUNCIL GOALS

The Arts Council assessment claims that there was no evidence to support Side Gallery’s address to its ‘Goals 3 - 5’

Goal 3 – the arts are ‘sustainable, resilient and innovative’. The application included clear discussion of the current innovations and cultural importance of documentary narrative as the languages of photography and video become genuinely vernacular in rapid development of digital production and distribution technologies. The work shown in Side Gallery has been constantly innovative, as photographers have responded to this context and with monthly audiences of 13-14,000 unique visitors to the exhibitions and films/videos in its webwork, the group has a stronger record of online innovation than most. It clearly referred to an unparalleled record of sustainability and resilience (which Arts Council directors demonstrably acknowledged elsewhere). It addressed the incorporated goal of ‘promoting greater collaboration between organisations to increase efficiency and innovation,’ talking of the way in which Amber/Side had developed the collaborations (funded by NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s Culture10 programme) that delivered the hugely innovative and successful Reinventing the City festival in 2009 – and how building that kind of funding level into the revenue grant would enable specific and ambitious projects over the three years of National Portfolio funding. The Arts Council wanted to see organisations ‘diversify their funding streams’ and the application talked of the way in which its on-going development plan delivers increasing income streams as the Amber archive is digitised.

Goal 4 – a ‘diverse and highly skilled’ arts leadership and workforce . An egalitarian collective obviously takes issue with the separation of leadership and workforce, but the track record shows that cultural work at its highest level can be delivered the Amber way. The application addressed the incorporated goal of ‘sharing knowledge and skills’, outlining a) the unique skills and knowledge base that Side Gallery holds and b) the plans for sharing those skills, that knowledge base along with the richness of the resources of the archive. There is a serious lack of understanding of humanist documentary across the broad sweep of visual arts galleries in the country – despite the importance that audiences attach to the work when they get the opportunity to see it. The whole application was concerned with addressing this lack of diversity and skill in ‘the arts leadership’. The incorporated goal of ‘creating equal opportunities to enter the arts workforce’ was addressed in discussion of how Amber/Side is working with a new generation of cultural activists, gathering around the operation. The degree of equality offered in any creative collaboration was explained in attached documents – the principles of egalitarianism run deep and is rooted in what the assessment acknowledges is ‘a long history of working with culturally diverse communities.’

Goal 5 – ‘Every child and young person has the opportunity to experience the richness of the arts.’ Side Gallery doesn’t do a lot of children’s work at the moment. It is not resourced to do so and its exhibitions usually challenge adult understandings of the world. It does, however, have a significant and constantly increasing audience amongst young people in the 16 – 25 age range. The Arts Council knows this and the fact was articulated in the application. The application also made clear that this was one of the key areas that would be developed further over the three years with the requested increase in resources.


THE DECISION

This decision is mystifying. It seems not to have taken account of the Arts Council’s acknowledged understandings or of what was written in the application and the supporting documents. It seems to be rooted in a deeply prejudiced antipathy to the principle of collective organisation that flies in the face of an unparalleled record of achievement.

It is a profoundly stupid, culturally illiterate and illogical decision.

Arts Council unveils funding plans for the North East
by David Whetstone, The Journal, March 31st 2011


DELIGHT, relief, disappointment and despair characterised a day when the future cultural landscape of the North East became clearer. Arts Council England unveiled its new national portfolio of arts organisations, those guaranteed regular financial support from a diminished funding pool for three years from 2012-13.

It was a list of winners, those successful applicants charged with delivering “great art for everyone” as part of a new 10-year strategy for the arts in England drawn up in the wake of a 30% reduction in the Government’s grant to the Arts Council.

Under the old system 69 organisations in the North East were regularly funded. Of the 85 organisations that applied to be part of the national portfolio, 42 were successful, including 10 not regularly supported in the past.

On Tyneside, the flagship Baltic and The Sage Gateshead attain national portfolio status with little change to their funding. The Arts Council said “There are a number of organisations in the North East that are very important nationally, such as Northern Stage and Baltic, and we’ll be expecting them to play a big role in developing artists and making sure audiences across the region have the chance to see their work.”

Among other successful national portfolio organisations not regularly funded before are the Great North Run cultural programme, Open Clasp Theatre Company, Gateshead’s Workplace Gallery and the Tyneside Cinema. But there was anger from unsuccessful applicants such as the Side Gallery in Newcastle which specialises in documentary photography.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/03/31/arts-council-unveils-funding-plans-for-the-north-east-61634-28433848/#ixzz1IA29yOXs

Nasty comment on the Chron website there!

Was a very tense day for all of us in the arts, and being East Mids based at the minute I naturally kept a very close eye on the North East! (luckily my organisation came off lightly compared to some others). NE has done incredibly well compared to some regions, which is great news. Really awful news about Northumberland Theatre Company, however. Their combined bid with Alnwick playhouse would have sustained some great touring arts for areas between Newcastle and the borders. I really do hope they can work out some alternative funding.

Good news for The Maltings in Berwick too, now really able to grow.

The Guardian has an 'Interactive Map' of ENGLAND, showing where these latest Arts Council Cuts are . . .

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2011/mar/30/arts-council-cuts-map

NE has done incredibly well compared to some regions, which is great news. Really awful news about Northumberland Theatre Company, however. Their combined bid with Alnwick playhouse would have sustained some great touring arts for areas between Newcastle and the borders.I agree that these came as quite a blow. However, the Alnwick Playhouse has struggled recently to provide the diverse range of programme that had been established five years ago, with 'the Committee' being unwilling to take risks in promotion. I'd be equally hesitant to continue support for such 'safe' programming.

(Perhaps a similar sentiment could be ade fro the Customs House)

On the other hand, funding has been assured for continuing the rural touring scheme across the County which has been developed very nicely by Highlights over the past year (who had been running a comparable scheme in the Pennines) and which has been developing audiences and promoters in some quite small communities. The last tour date I attended was in a tiny village but which was full to capacity, attracting people from tens of miles away.

So not all bad, eh?

The loss by Dodgy Clutch Theatre was disapointing because they do provide regional performances, though they have been rather fortunate in developing some good relations with sponsors so perhaps they can sustain themsevels better some others, such as Side, who have not built up the the same level of partnerships.

Baltic bosses hope to restore credibility
at former Waygood Art Gallery
by Adrian Pearson, The Journal, April 6th 2011

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/HighBridgeStudios-6thApril2011.jpg

ART bosses at the Baltic are hoping to restore credibility to Newcastle’s latest gallery as they look to take over the High Bridge Studios.

It is hoped the world-leading Baltic team will draw a line under the gallery’s troubled past, in which a multi-million pound delay and a controversial employment tribunal contributed to the Waygood group being stripped of its involvement in the council-owned gallery.

The creative director of Waygood, Helen Smith, came in for criticism for her part in the project, with an independent review finding she and others at the organisation had insufficient management skills for the job.

Contract talks between the council and the Baltic are ongoing, and it hoped they will be finalised in the coming months. Last night deputy council leader Anita Lower said she was happy the city was in talks with Baltic, which brought with it “an internationally recognised reputation”.

She said: “It is a step forward and obviously good news for the city that we have the chance to bring this level of cultural experience across the river.”

Tony Durcan, director of culture, libraries and lifelong learning for Newcastle City Council, said: “We are extremely keen to explore opportunities with Baltic. Partnering with an organisation like Baltic could pave the way for an innovative service attracting exciting experimental artists to Newcastle, enhancing the status of both Baltic and the City in the visual arts world and adding significantly to the distinctive regional offer.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/04/06/drawing-a-line-under-troubles-61634-28467291/#ixzz1IjHzz2GS

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/RailwayMuseum-April2011.jpg

I see that a new Art Gallery has received planning permission for change of use of the former Co-op Bank in Blandford Street :

NCC Planning Application Ref 2011/0151/01/DET
http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LG37V5BS0DL00

Change of use from bank (Class A2) to art gallery (Class D1) | Former Co-Operative Bank Plc 53 - 57 Blandford Square Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1AN

"A not for profit contemporary art gallery"

I see that a new Art Gallery has received planning permission for change of use of the former Co-op Bank in Blandford Street :

NCC Planning Application Ref 2011/0151/01/DET
http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LG37V5BS0DL00

Change of use from bank (Class A2) to art gallery (Class D1) | Former Co-Operative Bank Plc 53 - 57 Blandford Square Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1AN

"A not for profit contemporary art gallery"

That's the Globe Galllery, which was formerly on Carliol Square, in the same building as World Headquarters. I think they're already in the Blandford Square building, but have just had their funding pulled.

That's the Globe Galllery, which was formerly on Carliol Square, in the same building as World Headquarters. I think they're already in the Blandford Square building, but have just had their funding pulled.

Well good luck to their Fundraising launch of our new gallery in Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4HZ - Friday 15th April 2011: 5.30pm to 8pm

Web site @ http://www.globegallery.org/

Article in the Newcastle Journal @ http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/04/01/anger-and-confusion-at-arts-council-north-east-funding-cuts-61634-28440206/

A Strong sense of history at Strong Place Gallery
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, April 16th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/apr2011/8/8/geoff-woodward-curator-at-segedunum-26163224.jpg
Geoff Woodward, curator at Segedunum

HOW the Romans, miners and shipbuilders took turns to dominate a slice of Tyneside is told in a display which opens today.

The exhibition is based in a revamped gallery at Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum in Wallsend in North Tyneside.

The gallery is called Strong Place, the Roman name for the fort.

It reveals how the site around Segedunum has been shaped over 2,000 years, not just by the Romans but by significant periods of coal mining and then shipbuilding at the Swan Hunter yard.

Geoff Woodward, curator at Segedunum, said: “People today can visit the museum and see the excavated site of the Roman fort which once stood here, but we also wanted to explain what has created the fascinating landscape in which it sits.”

Nearly 1,400 years after the Romans, the site was the location for Wallsend pit.

Waggonways crossed the fort site, with one becoming the present-day main road of Buddle Street, which cuts through the Roman area.

One hundred years later it was the turn of the Swan Hunter shipyard, which built some of the greatest ships in the world.

The fort site was covered by terraced housing, whose eventual demolition allowed archaeologists to excavate the Roman base.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/04/16/a-strong-sense-of-history-at-strong-place-gallery-61634-28530657/#ixzz1Jff1ahMi

Another plug for a good event that takes place Friday 13th to Saturday 14th May 2011.

The North East's fantastic Museums at Night event returns, with 46 popular venues in NewcastleGateshead opening their doors to revellers on this legendary culture crawl.

http://www.thelateshows.org.uk/home.html

Brochure downloadable in PDF format @ http://www.thelateshows.org.uk/LateShowsBrochure2011.pdf

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I have just received the below e-mail from the SIDE GALLERY . . .

Side Gallery faces closure

WHAT HAS HAPPENED?

At 7.40am this morning, Side was informed that it will not be included in the Arts Council's National Portfolio Funding strategy and therefore, from 2012 onwards we will no longer receive revenue from our main funding source.



The above is a very long post, so I have only included a very short excerpt from it, in the above "Quote".

Today (28th April 2011) I have received an update from them . . .


We’d like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has signed the petition, made a donation and/or written to the Arts Council expressing concern at their cutting of Side Gallery’s revenue funding. Some of you have written more than once – and Lee Hall has been tireless in his efforts on our behalf. (Check out the interview with Lee Hall in the Times review this coming Saturday).

We’d also like to thank the Northern Regional Conference of the TUC for their unanimously passed emergency motion and MPs Grahame Morris (Easington), Chi Onwurah (Central Newcastle) and Dave Anderson (Blaydon) for their help and support. It means an awful lot to us. And we’ve been genuinely moved by your comments. The Arts Council has registered the strength of feeling and has indicated a desire to find other ways of supporting the gallery.

ACE is saying that the decision was not based on any prejudice against collectives, although it is hard to square that with the wording of their assessment. It is possible that they don’t fully understand the governance issues involved. They want to work with us over the next few months to look at how they can support Side Gallery through project funding (Grants for the Arts and Touring). We will obviously approach this creatively, but we need to establish how the core running costs can be met and how all of this can work with our plans to develop access both to the gallery and to the film and photography archive. We have said how important it is, for an organisation so rooted in continuity and long-term engagements, that we get back to a revenue funded basis as soon as possible.

We’ll keep you informed of progress. We’re putting in a complaint to the Arts Council about the mistakes and flawed statements in their assessment and about the obvious failure to address any meaningful sense of ‘portfolio’ balance in the decision to cut the only documentary photography gallery in the country. Coinciding with this, we plan to deliver the petition. So, if anybody still wants to put their name or comments down, this needs to be done by May 12th.

I LOVE SIDE GALLERY PETITION - http://www.gopetition.com/petition/44355.html

The Historic Theatres of Newcastle.

The Theatre Royal is getting a lot of publicity at the moment, with lots of photos of its beautiful interior being shown on this forum, but there are currently five major theatres in Newcastle (see list below from the "Websites" Listing Thread) and it is not the only one with a beautiful Historic interior . . .

12 - THEATRES: in Newcastle

JOURNAL TYNE THEATRE (Formerly The Tyne Theatre & Opera House, formerly The Stoll Cinema).
http://www.thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk/

LIVE THEATRE
http://www.live.org.uk/

NORTHERN STAGE (Formerly Newcastle Playhouse, formerly The University Theatre).
http://www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on

PEOPLES THEATRE
http://www.ptag.org.uk/

THEATRE ROYAL
http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/


HERE is the interior of the Journal TYNE THEATRE on Westgate Road, and one external shot too . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre2.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre3.jpg
These photos have been on my Hard Drive a long time, and I do not (sadly) have a record of their source location.

Baltic wary of committing to new Newcastle gallery
by Adrian Pearson, The Journal, April 30th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/sep2010/6/1/waygood-art-gallery-563976261.jpg
The city council wants Baltic to run its High Bridge gallery

ART bosses are in a behind-the-scenes row with council chiefs over the cash needed to give Newcastle a gallery of national significance.

The city council wants Baltic to run its High Bridge gallery, bringing the Gateshead’s group’s vast experience to Tyneside’s newest arts venue.

But Baltic bosses, wary of damaging their world-famous reputation, want the council to find a “significant” amount of extra cash to ensure the gallery, on Newcastle’s High Bridge, does not become an uninspiring burden.

The concerns are revealed in tender documents released to The Journal, charting Newcastle Council’s contracting process.

Those documents reveal that the council originally had two other possible groups looking to run the gallery, the Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums group and the Mushroom Works Studios and Gallery.

In the Baltic submission the team say they recognise that they work for the “biggest gallery if its kind in the world” and that this role comes with a responsibility to develop art regionally.

But they warn that as the tender stood there were concerns that Baltic would be too restricted to deliver a credible proposal.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/04/30/baltic-wary-of-committing-to-newcastle-gallery-61634-28607028/#ixzz1Kza1eGV9

I can just remember the EMPIRE PALACE THEATRE OF VARIETIES that used to stand in Newgate Street, where the present Swallow Hotel and Newgate Shopping Centre is located.

Built in 1890 by Oliver and Leeson, and rebuilt in 1903 by Frank Matcham.

This is a report from the Newcastle Evening Chronicle of Friday 5th November 1965 when the final pieces of the theatre were demolished - from the Jack Phillips Cuttings Collection.

http://www.fototime.com/95383881F7E3D62/orig.jpg

Here is photograph of the theatre in better times, courtesy of the City Libraries Archive Collection @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4080708961/sizes/o/in/photostream/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/4080708961_03009ec61a_o.jpg

I can just remember the EMPIRE PALACE THEATRE OF VARIETIES that used to stand in Newgate Street, where the present Swallow Hotel and Newgate Shopping Centre is located.

Built in 1890 by Oliver and Leeson, and rebuilt in 1903 by Frank Matcham.

This is a report from the Newcastle Evening Chronicle of Friday 5th November 1965 when the final pieces of the theatre were demolished - from the Jack Phillips Cuttings Collection.

http://www.fototime.com/95383881F7E3D62/orig.jpg



I have that same newspaper cutting! Mine is from my father's collection.

I couldn't resist photographing it, and showing it here. It was a nice surprise to see 'another version' of that same identical cutting!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/EmpireNewgateStreetCutting-19631.jpg

Rather unusual Guided Walk this coming Wednesday evening, heading East out of the City Centre:

Wednesday 4 May 7.00pm – Blue to the Biscuit

Walk over a new bridge across the old Pandon Burn looking at the new Northumbria University buildings and a popular wash-house, finishing at an unusual setting for an art gallery. Meet at the Laing Art Gallery. Finish at the Biscuit Factory.

City Guide Walks @ http://newcastlecityguides.org.uk/guide/?page_id=858

The Historic Theatres of Newcastle.

HERE is the interior of the Journal TYNE THEATRE on Westgate Road.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre3.jpg



SOME MORE information about the long history of the TYNE THEATRE . . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre-IllustratedHistory_0001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre-IllustratedHistory_0002.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre-IllustratedHistory_0003.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre-IllustratedHistory_0004.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre-IllustratedHistory_0005.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TyneTheatre-IllustratedHistory_0006.jpg
The above is from a BOOKLET produced by Jack Dixon and "The New Tyne Theatre and Opera Company Limited", in 1987

SOME MORE information about the long history of the TYNE THEATRE . . .

The above is from a BOOKLET produced by Jack Dixon and "The New Tyne Theatre and Opera Company Limited", in 1987

Another building that is usually open for "back stage" tours during the Heritage Open Days Weekend and well worth a visit if it's on the 2011 schedule.

I was left an archive by an old frield and I recently discovered the following two prints of the Royal in it. I have scanned them together, slightly cropping the sky in the top one.

The exterior is undated and I hesitate to even guess! It appears to be a copy stand photo of a much older print or negative judging by the ragged edge.

The interior is reference 2701/2 dated 10/10/72 and is from the City Engineers Photographic Department collection (& Copyright them as well). In view is the stage tallescope (access tower) and if you look closely you can see the cable dropping down from the roof space to presumably power the two Strand Electric Profile Spots on the stand in the upper right hand Box (Box D). I don't think these lanterns were from the Theatre Stock, when I was a showman in 1975 the equipment was mostly vintage post-war stuff, although a computerised lighting desk had been fitted into the lower left Box (Box C) that Summer, with a curved window stage-side and a curved wooden partition auditorium side complete with Indian restaurant flock wallpaper and a shouting hatch.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRN001.jpg

(I have a poor quality photo of the Box post-lighting Desk conversion, when I find it again I'll put it up.)

I was left an archive by an old frield and I recently discovered the following two prints of the Royal in it. I have scanned them together, slightly cropping the sky in the top one.

The exterior is undated and I hesitate to even guess! It appears to be a copy stand photo of a much older print or negative judging by the ragged edge.


This photograph also appears in the Newcastle City Libraries Archive Collection dated circa 1890 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4081781140/

Type : Lantern Slide Description : A view of the exterior of the Theatre Royal at the junction of Grey Street and Market Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken c.1890. 'T.J. Pickett Spirit Merchant' is next to the Theatre Royal on Market Street.

Gateshead's newest artwork unveiled at Shipley Gallery
by Linda Richards, Evening Chronicle, May 5th 2011

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/artwork-by-paul-scott-unveiled-at-shipley-gallery-988600427.jpg
Artwork by Paul Scott unveiled at Shipley Gallery

SOME of our past, present and future can be found inside this box. Ceramic artist Paul Scott has packed it with illustrated tiles showcasing the people, landmarks and industries of Gateshead.

From maps to famous people and buildings to rural scenes, the artist has drawn on a range of colourful subjects for his piece.

“The ideas came from residents themselves,” said Paul.

“I held workshops for community groups and schools asking them what they thought about Gateshead and asked them to put their ideas on plates.

“Some of the older people talked about how Gateshead used to be and the old industries. Most people said they loved Gateshead because it was where they lived, it was their home.”

Paul was commissioned by the town’s Shipley Gallery to create the piece because while Gateshead is famous for its collection of contemporary craft, it has no reference to the town or surrounding area.

The artwork reflects the regeneration of Gateshead and chatting to people gave Paul a feel for the area.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/05/05/gateshead-s-newest-artwork-unveiled-at-shipley-gallery-72703-28639912/#ixzz1LU44cf1O

Newcastle City Guides next walk is this coming Sunday:

Sunday 8 May 2.30pm – Whickham – Roundheads, Rectors and Rowers

Covering many of the places of historic and architectural interest in this picturesque village. Meet and finish at Church Green

Room for a bright future in arts world
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, May 11th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/may2011/2/2/tony-mann-628724179.jpg

PROPERTY boss Tony Mann is launching a project to help the cuts-hit arts world at a riverside site which pioneered the powering of ships.

The former Wallsend Research Station site in North Tyneside next to the Swan Hunter shipyard researched and designed steam and gas turbines for 40 years after the Second World War. It also designed the turbines which powered the QE2 liner.

Five years ago Mr Mann, director of the Oceana Group property company, bought the 12-acre site and has spent £2.5m upgrading it.

The site includes three office and research blocks – including the three-storey, ship-like Pametrada building – which were built in the late 1940s, and turbine testing facilities.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/PametradaBUildingWallsend.jpg

Mr Mann, who has his company headquarters at what is now called the Oceana Business Park, has set up the Pametrada Arts Centre charity.

His aim is to offer low-cost space to arts and creative enterprises and individuals in the Pametrada building, with its art deco features.

His ambition is to establish a creative hub at Wallsend after being impressed by what has been achieved by similar ventures at Lime Street in the Ouseburn and the Mushroom Works in Newcastle, and the Bed Shed in a former furniture store in Gateshead.

He estimates the building can be converted into around 50 studios, with a 220 sq ft space for rent at £40 to £50 a week.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/11/room-for-a-bright-future-in-arts-world-61634-28669657/#ixzz1M24W8zKS

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Another plug for a good event that takes place Friday 13th to Saturday 14th May 2011.



http://www.thelateshows.org.uk/home.html

Brochure downloadable in PDF format @ http://www.thelateshows.org.uk/LateShowsBrochure2011.pdf

As much as I love the Late shows I'm a little disappointed in them this year with most of the activity on Friday being only in the Ouseburn and surrounding area and the website not able to filter to show venues that are available on Both Days or Just Saturday

NH, you might be interested in this 'behind the scenes tour' of the building works going on at the Theatre Royal...

Theatre Royal 175th Anniversary Restoration Hard Hat Tour

Date
10 June 2011
Time
3-4pm
Venue
Theatre Royal
100 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6BR


Read more:-

Theatre Royal 175th Anniversary Restoration Hard Hat Tour (http://www.northernarchitecture.com/northern-architecture/what-39-s-happening/2011/06/10/120-theatre-royal-175th-anniversary-restoration-hard-hat-tour.html)


Full events guide listed here:-

http://www.northernarchitecture.com/northern-architecture/what-39-s-happening.html

The license to print money meme that I wish I had spotted ten years or so is "artist studios" in "creative hubs" i.e the take a big building and chop it and dice it stick in a gallery, through in a couple of business seminars, a reception and get a big bag to catch the money.

There is a surprising lot of them around, it's a bit like lifting a stone and seeing creepy crawlies scuttling around.

I am endlessly fascinated by the "business model" that is used by artists it must be an underground and alternative careers advice they get when they are doing their degree. Runs like : get a studio, get funding, make "art" if this fails then go back and do an M.A. and have another run at it.

Who is buying all this "product" form these studios?

NH, you might be interested in this 'behind the scenes tour' of the building works going on at the Theatre Royal...

Theatre Royal 175th Anniversary Restoration Hard Hat Tour

Date
10 June 2011
Time
3-4pm
Venue
Theatre Royal
100 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6BR


Read more:-

Theatre Royal 175th Anniversary Restoration Hard Hat Tour (http://www.northernarchitecture.com/northern-architecture/what-39-s-happening/2011/06/10/120-theatre-royal-175th-anniversary-restoration-hard-hat-tour.html)

Full events guide listed here:-

http://www.northernarchitecture.com/northern-architecture/what-39-s-happening.html


Thanks very much for that information inmh88, I think that I (and a fair few others) WILL be interested in that!

I have put a copy of your post onto the 'Theatre Royal' thread, and also onto the 'Architecture Exhibitions & Tours' thread.

The license to print money meme that I wish I had spotted ten years or so is "artist studios" in "creative hubs" i.e the take a big building and chop it and dice it stick in a gallery, through in a couple of business seminars, a reception and get a big bag to catch the money.Then, you'll love the 'Electric Works' in Sheffield. Big, bold, brand new and shiny, as close as you can get to the Station, nice artworks, lots of staff, recreation areas, carpets everywhere, computerised everything (almost), what more could a burgeoning Cultural Sector ask for?

Well, some tenants might be nice.
Its empty. Empty offices, empty kitchens, empty corridors.

And the significance of this is . . . . . the operators have their eyes on a soon-to-open development here in Newcastle!

A late night in store for city’s culture vultures
by David Whetstone, The Journal, May 14th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/may2011/6/2/sarah-ridley-dodgy-clutch-685911555.jpg

MEET an elephant, try “fun, creative, weird and wonderful” things to do with a sheep’s fleece, indulge yourself with white drinks or dress up 1920s-style to visit a cinema made for one.

Yes, The Late Shows are back and venue staff across Tyneside have evidently been vying with one another to woo the after-hours crowds with the quirkiest attractions.

Tonight marks the fifth Late Shows when, in conjunction with a European initiative called Museums at Night, venues extend their normal opening hours in search of new audiences.

This year on Tyneside a record 46 art and heritage locations put themselves forward for inclusion, enthusiastically answering the call to lay on something a little out of the ordinary.

Late Shows project manager Bill Griffiths, of Tyne & Wear Museums & Archives, said: “We want people to move around the venues and see as much as they possibly can.”

To that end, City SightSeeing buses will be offering a free service, transporting evening culture vultures between the many and varied venues in Newcastle and Gateshead.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/14/a-late-night-in-store-for-city-s-culture-vultures-61634-28692249/#ixzz1MJgWaKek

If Spillers Wharf was gutted like the Baltic was it would make a great, cavernous and immersive space for modern art events, performances and displays - sort of like the turbine hall in the tate modern, only more stark and striking. could even get the baltic chaps to run it.

there's already windows in the concrete, but i dont know how feasible it would be to adapt the building to residential, or if there is demand (affordable housing maybe?). it's one of tyneside's most striking buildings, being vaguely moderne/deco in style, white, and of a scale largely unseen anywhere else in the city. massive shame if it goes, truly part of our heritage and a local icon.

.

If gutted like the Baltic was it would make a great, cavernous and immersive space for modern art events, performances and displays - sort of like the turbine hall in the tate modern, only more stark and striking. could even get the baltic chaps to run it.

there's already windows in the concrete, but i dont know how feasible it would be to adapt the building to residential, or if there is demand (affordable housing maybe?). it's one of tyneside's most striking buildings, being vaguely moderne/deco in style, white, and of a scale largely unseen anywhere else in the city. massive shame if it goes, truly part of our heritage and a local icon.

It cost upwards of £50 million to convert Baltic - cannot see there being that sort of money around in these times?

There is too much similarity between Spillers and the Baltic. If you make Spillers an art venue, I think it will take away from the Baltic rather than complement it.

^^ Not sure I get your drift? I didn't mean there is no space for another large art venue in the city, but I do think another conversion of an industrial flour mill on the river bank might just be too similar and ruin all that makes Baltic truly unique.

^^ Not sure I get your drift? I didn't mean there is no space for another large art venue in the city, but I do think another conversion of an industrial flour mill on the river bank might just be too similar and ruin all that makes Baltic truly unique.

hm i don't agree. i was referring to gutting the building and using the massive interior space as a shell for performances, events, films, even conferences - totally different to what baltic offers, which is conventional floors of rotating art displays.

think more anish kapoor's Tarantantara which was temporarily housed in the gutted shell of baltic, or eliasson's weather project, or weiwei's sunflower seeds, in the turbine hall rather than baltic today.

i think those two differing types of venue would work quite well, and could see people visiting both on a single trip. furthermore i've heard criticisms from visitors to the city that there's nothing to do on the quayside after the Baltic, imo there needs to be another visitor attraction down there.

though of course in this climate it would be impossible to find the money for it.

personally id like to keep the building standing even if not in use, after all, it's not like anything is going to be built on the site for ages, and i'd prefer to see the building rather than yet another empty plot. and who knows, in the future it might make for another great quayside bonfire :banana:

MPs oppose cash cuts to Newcastle’s Side Gallery
by Dan Warburton, Evening Chronicle, May 20th 2011


DEEP funding cuts for a Tyneside photo gallery are being opposed by MPs.

The Amber Collective’s Side Gallery, in Newcastle city centre, is battling for survival after the Arts Council axed funding earlier this year.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the gallery forged close links with the coal mining community as photographers documented the collapse of the industry.

Now the Arts Council have put the centre’s future in doubt after it reduced their cash pot to just £58,000 for the year.

But an Early Day Motion, laid down in Parliament by Easington MP Grahame Morris, has urged the Arts Council “to review its decision to cut funding for the Side Gallery in Newcastle”.

It states: “We call on Arts Council England to recognise the unique work of the Side Gallery as the only gallery in the country dedicated to humanist documentary photography.

“To congratulate the strong egalitarian governance of the gallery as part of the Amber collective that has built one of the North East’s most significant cultural legacies in the last 50 years.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/05/20/mps-oppose-cash-cuts-to-tyneside-s-side-gallery-72703-28731874/#ixzz1MtmnZ9av

I loath the style of the photography, it's porn for liberal do-gooders.
When the state buys art it's becomes Stalinist propaganda.
As for "To congratulate the strong egalitarian governance of the gallery as part of the Amber collective that has built one of the North East’s most significant cultural legacies in the last 50 years" Oh really? How does that play in Walker?

I am going to open a "pit pony petting center" and get it funded up the yazoo it will be like "Cathrine Cookson Country" only better and with more dressing up.

Funding fight to save Newcastle's Side Gallery continues
The Journal, May 21 2011


A FIGHT to retain funding for one of the region’s leading culture spots has been launched by MPs.

The gallery holds a special place in the hearts of many North East Mining Communities it forged links with during the 1960s and 1970s, as it skillfully documented the industry’s decline.

Now Easington MP Grahame Morris, has urged the Arts Council “to review its decision to cut funding for the Side Gallery in Newcastle”.

It states: “We call on Arts Council England to recognise the unique work of the Side Gallery as the only gallery in the country dedicated to humanist documentary photography.

Since the cuts were imposed in March, the Side Gallery has formed a petition which has now attracted more than 2,000 signatures.

Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell said: “This Government need to remember that protecting our cultural heritage is vital, once it is gone it is gone forever and will be lost to the next generation.”


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/21/funding-fight-to-save-newcastle-s-side-gallery-61634-28735167/#ixzz1Myk9RGgQ

Newcastle art group Amber is praised by Unesco
by David Whetstone, The Journal, May 24th 2011


UNDER threat arts group Amber has been honoured by Unesco for its outstanding cultural contribution to the country by capturing the often ignored aspects of everyday life in the North East. The work of the Amber film and photography collective, currently waging a campaign to regain Arts Council funding, is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

The films made by Newcastle-based Amber over 40 years, are among 20 items and collections chosen to represent the outstanding but lesser-known heritage of the UK. They will be added to the Unesco UK Memory of the World Register, an online catalogue created to help promote the country’s documentary heritage across the world.

Amber was founded in the late 1960s when a group of film school graduates set up a base on Newcastle Quayside to document the passing of a way of life. Through photography and film they documented the decline of heavy industry and the effects on the lives of North East communities.

The work of Amber, including 22 films and 11 bodies of photographic work, has been chosen by Unesco along with items including the death warrant of King Charles I held in the Parliamentary Archives; the Jersey Occupation Archive, recording the Nazi occupation during World War Two; the archive of the Wedgewood Museum, detailing the history of the distinctive crockery; and the archive of the Children’s Society, detailing childcare practice from Victorian times onwards.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/24/newcastle-art-group-amber-is-praised-by-unesco-61634-28750384/#ixzz1NGCzTw9G

Great North Museum hits 1.5 million visitors
by Tony Henderson, Evening Chronicle, May 24th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/may2011/4/6/kristian-donaldson-the-one-millionth-visitor-with-sister-lucy-steve-mcclean-and-staff-78109510.jpg
Kristian Donaldson, the one millionth visitor with sister Lucy, Steve McClean and staff

A MAJOR Newcastle museum is celebrating its second birthday by heading for the 1.5 million visitor mark.

The £26m Great North Museum: Hancock, in Newcastle, had chalked up a visitor total of 1,325,967 by last weekend.

Before it opened, visitor forecasts were for 300,000 a year.

But 10,000 people turned up on the first day and have poured through the doors ever since to see the combined collections of the former Hancock Museum of Natural History and Newcastle University’s Museum of Antiquities and Shefton Greek Museum.

“The number of visitors has been fantastic as has the response of people to the terrific collections on show.

“We have also been delighted by the number of repeat visits,” said Iain Watson, director of Tyne Wear Archives and Museums.

“The museum has something for everyone, from the under-fives to academics carrying out their research.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/05/24/great-north-museum-hits-1-5-million-visitors-72703-28752860/#ixzz1NHCSOvc9

If gutted like the Baltic was it would make a great, cavernous and immersive space for modern art events, performances and displays - sort of like the turbine hall in the tate modern, only more stark and striking. could even get the baltic chaps to run it.

there's already windows in the concrete, but i dont know how feasible it would be to adapt the building to residential, or if there is demand (affordable housing maybe?). it's one of tyneside's most striking buildings, being vaguely moderne/deco in style, white, and of a scale largely unseen anywhere else in the city. massive shame if it goes, truly part of our heritage and a local icon.

Precisely. I've thought this for years and even dreamed of the Baltic being a gallery in the mid 90s. For real practical purposes, a city like Newcastle needs at least two or three Baltic-size galleries to well and truly place itself as an art tourism hotspot.

This is further proof, as if more were needed, of the major city of Newcastle being run like a provincial town - a failure of imagination, Lib Dem or Labour, recession or no recession.

Room for a bright future in arts world
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, May 11th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/may2011/2/2/tony-mann-628724179.jpg

PROPERTY boss Tony Mann is launching a project to help the cuts-hit arts world at a riverside site which pioneered the powering of ships.

The former Wallsend Research Station site in North Tyneside next to the Swan Hunter shipyard researched and designed steam and gas turbines for 40 years after the Second World War. It also designed the turbines which powered the QE2 liner.

Five years ago Mr Mann, director of the Oceana Group property company, bought the 12-acre site and has spent £2.5m upgrading it.

The site includes three office and research blocks – including the three-storey, ship-like Pametrada building – which were built in the late 1940s, and turbine testing facilities.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/PametradaBUildingWallsend.jpg

Mr Mann, who has his company headquarters at what is now called the Oceana Business Park, has set up the Pametrada Arts Centre charity.

His aim is to offer low-cost space to arts and creative enterprises and individuals in the Pametrada building, with its art deco features.

His ambition is to establish a creative hub at Wallsend after being impressed by what has been achieved by similar ventures at Lime Street in the Ouseburn and the Mushroom Works in Newcastle, and the Bed Shed in a former furniture store in Gateshead.

He estimates the building can be converted into around 50 studios, with a 220 sq ft space for rent at £40 to £50 a week.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/11/room-for-a-bright-future-in-arts-world-61634-28669657/#ixzz1M24W8zKS

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Just brilliant. I don't know the building, but after the closure of the Buddle and the spectacularly senseless demolition of the Borough Theatre, it looks like Wallsend is emerging from the cultural desert - no thanks to North Tyneside Council, who were responsible for stripping Wallsend of some of its foremost treasures and putting it in that predicament in the first place.

For real practical purposes, a city like Newcastle needs at least two or three Baltic-size galleries

I'm really not sure about that to be honest. I'm pretty sure the Baltic is pretty big by European standards, compared to many within major capital cities. Besides, they can't fill the Baltic with decent art currently, never really have, so three similar galleries would be spreading it a bit thin.

If Spiller's had any potential use, it'd need to be something new.

I'm really not sure about that to be honest. I'm pretty sure the Baltic is pretty big by European standards, compared to many within major capital cities.

Size is irrelevant, really - diversity is the key. Like theatres et al, we can't really just rely on one of its type. We're simply left to the mercy of those particular curators in those cases and that is the perennial problem of only having one. Although we have a few smaller ones, the larger ones tend to have a gravitational effect - lots of even smaller ones, satellites, if you like, spring up due to increased tourism and increased profile. As a 'leisure' city (sic), these things are part of the fabric of Newcastle's future. No-one ever complains at the opening of a new pub. Have you ever heard anyone say 'A new pub? We've already got one!'. Or, even less likely, but a more suffocating problem for a city's uniqueness, 'Another Subway? We don't need one!'

Besides, they can't fill the Baltic with decent art currently, never really have, so three similar galleries would be spreading it a bit thin.

As before - any gallery is only as good as its curators, its vision and its purpose. Rather than dismissing any other large gallery, using them to counter the Baltic's often dull choices would seem to be a solid reason for them to exist. When anyone has a monopoly, they get lazy. And, of course, their onus is on tried and tested international artists - others don't have to be. The failure of the Waygood, for example, has left a massive gap for a major platform for unique homegrown artists and a hive for its production, both traditional and digital / interactive. :) Truly, I don't think there is a limit on successful galleries in an urban conurbation if there is a teeming imagination there - the only real limit, I suppose, is budget , but even then, there are ways and means and people are starting to think very creatively about that.

If Spiller's had any potential use, it'd need to be something new.

A new gallery. :D

A decent indie multiplex would be great too, though.

But if someone wanted to convert it into a house for me, that would be fine also.

Great North Museum Hancock to exhibit Egyptian treasures
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, June 10th 2011


A STUNNING display of ancient Egyptian treasures from the British Museum is on its way to the North East.

Many of the 130 objects from the British Museum’s world class ancient Egypt collection, which will go on show at the Great North Museum in Newcastle, have never been seen outside London.

In what is a coup for Tyne Wear Archives and Museums (TWAM), the exhibition – Pharaoh: King of Egypt – will examine the idealized image and reality behind the rulers of the ancient kingdom across 3,000 years of history.

The increasing stature and popularity of the Great North Museum has played its part in winning the exhibition for the North East.

Steve McLean, senior manager of the Great North Museum: Hancock said: “It is a great honour to be entrusted with such illustrious and significant objects of world history. To be able to co-curate this exhibition with our colleagues at the British Museum has been very exciting.

“The sheer quality of the objects is frankly awe inspiring, and it is fantastic that our collaboration with the British Museum will bring some of our national treasures to the North East.”


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/06/10/great-north-museum-hancock-to-exhibit-egyptian-treasures-61634-28853638/#ixzz1OrDvGRQj

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Professor to be appointed in 'Northumbria University
and Baltic' partnership
by David Whetstone, The Journal, June 10th 2011


A 'BALTIC PROFESSOR' is to be appointed as part of a ground-breaking partnership between Northumbria University and the Gateshead centre for contemporary art.

It will also see Baltic’s Level 3 Gallery re-named the Northumbria Gallery – the first commercial naming of any part of Baltic since it opened nine years ago.

And there are hopes that the partnership with the world-renowned gallery will give Northumbria an advantage in attracting students to Tyneside.

Speaking about the newly-named gallery, Baltic director Godfrey Worsdale said: “There is a financial benefit to Baltic for that privilege but this is much more than a sponsorship arrangement.

“At the heart of this relationship are two successful organisations that are collaborating for mutual benefit.

“A really strong part of Baltic’s work, once we have these great exhibitions on, is about making them accessible.

“As a result of this partnership we feel we can do a very thorough job of enabling learning from pre-school right through to PhD level.

“The association with Northumbria will strengthen our academic and research credentials and that will feed through to benefit all our audiences.”

Mr Worsdale said Baltic had close relations with both Newcastle universities.

First exhibition has important agenda

The first exhibition in Baltic’s new Northumbria Gallery opens tomorrow (11th June 2011) and features the work of American artist Robert Breer, a veteran of the avant garde.

Mr Breer, who was born in Detroit in 1926, was at Baltic yesterday for a media preview of the exhibition.

There he was introduced as one of the most ground-breaking and celebrated animators in history.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/06/10/professor-to-be-appointed-in-northumbria-university-and-baltic-partnership-61634-28853606/#ixzz1OrCMIokx

Just a quick note on the new City Library now that it's two years old. Although I can say it floors the old library, there are still a frustrating amount of gaps in their catalogue - certain authors have perhaps one example of their work in the archive, but more disturbing is the lack of any examples of some fairly mainstream writers. The same applies much more acutely to their media collection, which is put to shame by the equivalent at Gateshead Central Library. Now that they've got their new infra-structure sorted, I can only hope they spend the next decade stalwartly building a formidable collection of books, movies and music fit for a regional capital.

^^

I only went to the 'Old' Central Library once, as a young lad with my Mother - but I was very impressed by all the tall bookshelves, and by the 'ultra-modern' punch cards booking in-and-out system!

The 'New' (1968) Central/City Library, formed a big part of my life, I spent a lot of time there, and loved it, but externally I found it to have a VERY disappointing 'rustic/brutal concrete' appearance!

The 'New' (brand new) City (Central, really) Library . . . I think it is the best of the three!!!

.
Chronicle Extra - 15th June 2011 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/BusuitFactEx-ChronExt15-0611.jpg

Seven Stories gets cash boost from
the Enid Blyton Trust for Children
by David Whetstone, The Journal, June 17th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/jun2011/2/6/enid-blyton-image-2-156251386.jpg
Courtney Wilkinson and Tyler Patterson-Walton with Enid Blyton Books at Seven Stories

SUPPORTERS and staff of Seven Stories are celebrating a financial boost for their work – thanks to classic children’s writer Enid Blyton and the guardians of her legacy.

The Enid Blyton Trust for Children is being wound up by its trustees who have decided to donate its assets to support the work of Newcastle's National Centre for Children’s Books.

A permanent £750,000 fund will be set up at the Community Foundation for Tyne & Wear and Northumberland from which grants will be allocated annually to support the work of Seven Stories in the community. A formal announcement of the arrangement, and of an initial founding grant of £10,000, will be announced today at a special lunch in the House of Lords by Seven Stories patron Lord Beecham.

The Enid Blyton Trust for Children was established in 1982 with some of the royalties earned by the books written by the most popular children’s author of the 20th Century. The new fund, permanently linking the famous author with the Seven Stories name, will be known as The Enid Blyton Fund for Seven Stories at the Community Foundation.

Seven Stories opened in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley in 2005 as a national home for children’s literature, supported by authors, illustrators, publishers and a host of other well-wishers from around the country.

Its archive of written manuscripts and artwork has grown rapidly to become a national treasure trove while its beautifully mounted exhibitions have proved to be major attractions.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/06/17/seven-stories-gets-cash-boost-from-enid-blyton-trust-for-children-61634-28893318/#ixzz1PWJPiCMn

A brand new cultural festival starting this year, celebrating the bridges that make NewcastleGateshead unique!


NewcastleGateshead Bridges Festival
Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 August 2011

Location: NewcastleGateshead Quayside (from the Swing Bridge in the west to Gateshead Millennium Bridge in the east).


http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/xsdbimgs/newcastlegateshead-bridges-(3).gif

NewcastleGateshead Bridges Festival will take over the NewcastleGateshead Quayside and its famous bridges, celebrating the history, heritage and contemporary culture of the quayside and river landscape in fun, surprising and exciting ways.


Read more:
http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/site/whats-on/festivals/newcastlegateshead-bridges-festival

The 'firey light' at dusk sounds interesting!
Cameras ready I think!

Heads up - the Directory for events is now available but one note of caution, bookings not taken until 1st August 2011.

http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/region/county/north-east/

The Heritage Weekend calendar has just gone live. Disappointingly, the Theatre Royal isn't currently on the list, although there is some good stuff going on (http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/search/?p=1&county=All&laa=All&town=Newcastle+upon+Tyne&type=All&period=All&thursday=on&friday=on&saturday=on&sunday=on).

Though there are tours of the newly refurbished Theatre Royal @ £5 per head - http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/learning/tours-talks

Fri 30 Sept: 10.15am & 11.15am
Sat 1 Oct: 10.15am & 11.15am
Fri 7 Oct: 10.15am & 11.15am
Sat 8 Oct: 10.15am & 11.15am

.
Largest ever display of Egyptian Artefacts from the British Museum, at the "Great North Museum (Hancock)" . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/GreatNorthandBritishMuseums.jpg
From The Journal, Saturday 16th July 2011.

its a pretty fab exhibit at the Hancock - some beautiful objects

And quite a good opening day turn out too - plenty of kids, its always fab to see families taking children for days out to museums and galleries

its a pretty fab exhibit at the Hancock - some beautiful objects

And quite a good opening day turn out too - plenty of kids, its always fab to see families taking children for days out to museums and galleries


I was there today on my day off! checking out that Pharaoh: King of Egypt (http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmuseum/thingstoseeanddo/exhibition/2011/07/16/pharaoh-king-of-egypt/) touring exhibition. It was fantastic! I made a gift aid donation as well!

I particularly liked the references to Alexander the Great on some of the descriptions of the objects.

It was busy when I went at about 1:30pm, but I hear from their Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/GNM_Hancock) from the Great North Museum, that there were people queuing up (http://twitter.com/GNM_Hancock/status/92199664564174848) before it opened today!

Everyone should see it!

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx180/inmh88/Misc/IMAG1227.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx180/inmh88/Misc/IMAG1230.jpg


Can't resist this one!

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx180/inmh88/Misc/IMAG1231.jpg


Am now going to see the Watercolours exhibition (http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing/thingstoseeanddo/exhibition/2011/07/16/watercolour-gems/) at the Laing to complete my cultural immersion this week!

the GNM is fab like that, they tend to have people queing to get in a lot!!

Each week i must speak to someone different who didn't even know that this and many other venues are free entry.

I'm quite immersed within the arts and museums sector

Author Robert Muchamore visits Seven Stories
by Nicola Weatherall, Evening Chronicle, August 8th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/aug2011/5/8/sarah-howes-17-and-brother-matty-11-from-low-fell-who-had-their-books-signed-724073179.jpg
Sarah Howes, 17, and brother Matty, 11, from Low Fell, who had their books signed

A FORMER private detective turned children’s author delighted fans with a special visit to our region.

Award-winning writer Robert Muchamore was at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle, yesterday for a meet-and-greet.

The popular author for young adults is best-known for writing the CHERUB series and Henderson Boys novels. His books have been sold in more than 20 different countries, and Seven Stories was chosen as the only North East venue to be part of his whistle- stop tour of the country.

CHERUB: People’s Republic is the much-anticipated 13th title in the series and moves away from the main protagonist of the first 12 books and focuses on a new hero with a new mission.

After the series’ success in the UK, CHERUB was released in the USA, New Zealand and Australia and was subsequently translated into several other languages.

Casting is currently under way in the US for a film adaptation and Cait Read, marketing and communications officer, added: “It was really nice to welcome Robert back as he was one of the first pre-teen authors who came to Seven Stories in its opening year and he was really happy to be back, too.”


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/08/08/author-robert-muchamore-visits-seven-stories-72703-29198073/#ixzz1URIP0PiF

University Theatre under occupation 1978 I took part in this

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/skida/Old%20Newcastle%20Stuff/28242864.jpg

.

Baltic hosts Turner Prize Cafes
by Nicola Weatherall, The Journal, August 11th 2011


ARTISTS and enthusiasts are being invited to take part in a programme of events to celebrate one of the biggest events on the arts calendar - coming to the North East this autumn.

The prestigious Turner Prize is coming to NewcastleGateshead after the Baltic was announced as the first non-Tate gallery to host the exhibition, which will run between October 21 and January 8.

However, for art-lovers who can’t wait for its arrival, the centre of contemporary art is now hosting a series of Turner Prize Cafes across the region.

They are being held at a variety of venues and aim to give people of all ages the opportunity to meet and discuss the prize and modern art in general.

The latest was held yesterday on the beach in South Shields and the next will take place this weekend on the Newcastle side of the Millennium Bridge, as part of the NewcastleGateshead Bridges Festival.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/08/11/baltic-arts-centre-hosts-turner-prize-cafes-61634-29215916/#ixzz1Uhymo7X9

Some of my old photos from the 70s:

University Theatre under occupation 1978 I took part in this
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/skida/Old%20Newcastle%20Stuff/28242864.jpg

Nice to see it before the foyer extension. I was a casual there in the mid 70s.

Someone somewhere will have a photo of the same view but with a giant stuffed snake hanging down the facade from the roof, we got a bit carried away during Young People's Festival!

And the rehearsal rooms- everyone just called it "The Warehouse". No redeeming architectural features whatsoever, although we did have a Disco in there once.

And the rehearsal rooms- everyone just called it "The Warehouse". No redeeming architectural features whatsoever, although we did have a Disco in there once.

Can't remember a thing about the building but I did enjoy a fancy dress disco/party there.

University Theatre under occupation 1978 I took part in this . .

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/skida/Old%20Newcastle%20Stuff/28242864.jpg
.



Same building now, but very different looking! Its re-name to Newcastle Playhouse has been and gone, and under its even newer name of Northern Stage it has the old 'side' of the building now as its Main Front Entrance . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/4555585773_27792b5699_o.jpg

No redeeming architectural features whatsoever,

Presumably it was thought that side of the theatre would face onto the West Central Motorway and so architectural niceties would be wasted... or am I being too kind?

I'll always associate that place with Edward II getting a poker up his arse during the 1990 RSC season.

Northern Stage is another venue open to the public during the Heritage Open Days for backstage tours with pre booking required on 0191 230 5151.

This is the description from the Tyne & Wear HOD's site @ http://www.twhods.org.uk/node/2456

Northern Stage theatre venue will be open for backstage tours. Visitors will be able to see dressing rooms, green room and see the backstage area's work.
Opening Days and Times:

Friday 09/09/2011 Tours 1100 & 1500
Saturday 10/09/2011 Tours 1100 & 1500
Booking Information:

Pre-book on 0191 230 5151 or Box Office, Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 7RH. (Bookings open from Aug 1st).

Presumably it was thought that side of the theatre would face onto the West Central Motorway and so architectural niceties would be wasted... or am I being too kind?

Wilf, think that Skida was referring to the rehearsal rooms when he made that comment. They were on Queens Lane behind the Turnbull building. I went to a staff party there in 1976ish.

Cheers
GBDT

I was at The Bridges Festival yesterday and had a great time. There wasn't as much on as I expect though. There's possibly more on today. Today there's a garden on The Swing Bridge.

I was told that was family only, if you didn't go with kids in tow it was off limits. I did want to go just to see the swing bridge sprouting grass. However I couldn't borrow any mini adults.

Interesting to read that the Great North Museum are to install 16 bronze plaques (depicting the mythical and historical) in the grassed areas of the former Hancock Museum, mainly on the Claremont Road side of the building.

Planning Application:
2011/0925/01/DET | Provision of 16 bronze plaques in grounds | Tyne And Wear Museums Great North Museum Hancock Barras Bridge Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT @ http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LNFY4GBS0DL00

Regarding the Discovery Quarter- it would be brilliant that those awful buildings right infront on the museum where to be demolished- the museum is a great building hidden by the backsides of some long gone era buildings.


Weren't all the buildings between that and the Boulevard supposed to be coming down?

That is most definitely the small area that definitely needs (quite urgent) attention, in my opinion.

As you head into the City Centre from the South, there is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of "a view" along the left, of the
impressive Discovery Museum building.

It is already there, we don't have to build it, and it is in the right location to have a real impact.

What do we have though?

In between it and our new major road (St James' Boulevard) we have the BACKS (that were never intended to be seen) of a few scruffy buildings, and that is what we see!!

They need to be removed, sorry to the occupants, but that simple act followed by a bit of decent landscaping to the resultant open space (a Major Artwork or Fountain location?) would in-one-fell-swoop have a major impact on the impression created of our city, at that main entrance point!

It is all there, we don't need to build anything, we just need to "reveal" it!!!
.



Well, in the JOURNAL this morning (30th August 2011) the below article appears.

CAN it be possible that the people concerned are all talking so 'enthusiastically' about one of those self-same buildings . . . with their backs to St James' Boulevard?

Perhaps I am mistaken, please somebody tell me that I am mistaken!


Artists come to the rescue of The Globe Gallery
by Rob Pattinson, The Journal, August 30th 2011


The Globe Gallery for contemporary art has been offered the lifeline after it missed out on the coalition government’s replacement for arts funding earlier this year. An initiative, which will see donated artworks auctioned off, is now hoped to make up the shortfall in finance the venue needs to complete its move to a new premises, in Newcastle city centre.

The gallery is preparing for a new lease of life in the disused Co-op bank at 53-7 Blandford Square, opposite Newcastle’s Discovery museum. Gallery director Rashida Davison said: “As with many other arts organisations we have been hit severely with funding cuts over the past 18 months.

However, Globe Gallery is at the edge of a new and exciting era of relocation and expansion.

“The organisation’s new home in a disused bank in Newcastle City Centre is ideally located to create a uniquely vibrant and engaging form of user-focused contemporary arts space.

“We have big plans for our new home, aimed at blending high standards of artistic presentation, an integrated volunteering programme and a firm commitment to the development of emerging and established artists to produce powerful experiences for all participants.”


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/08/30/artists-come-to-the-rescue-of-the-globe-gallery-61634-29327180/#ixzz1WUzKP2cD
.

Well, in the JOURNAL this morning (30th August 2011) the below article appears.

CAN it be possible that the people concerned are all talking so 'enthusiastically' about one of those self-same buildings . . . with their backs to St James' Boulevard?

Perhaps I am mistaken, please somebody tell me that I am mistaken!

No you are not mistaken :ohno:

Close The Coalhouse Door play revived
to now go on national tour
by David Whetstone, The Journal, September 2nd 2011


ONE OF the most successful stage shows ever created in the North East is to be revived next year in a co-production by two of Newcastle's Theatres, Live Theatre and Northern Stage.

Close The Coalhouse Door, which had people queuing for tickets when it was premiered in Newcastle in 1968, is to be directed by actor and director Sam West. It will open at Northern Stage next April before embarking on a national tour.

At yesterday’s launch of Live Theatre’s autumn 2011 season, artistic director Max Roberts said West had bumped into Sid’s son Michael, also a North East-based writer, at a wedding and expressed his enthusiasm for the show.

Erica Whyman, chief executive and artistic director of Northern Stage, said: “Sam, who I’ve known for a long time, said it had been a lifelong dream of his to direct Close the Coalhouse Door and he suggested that perhaps we should think about a memorial production of it to celebrate Alan".


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/09/02/close-the-coalhouse-door-play-revived-to-go-on-national-tour-61634-29348241/#ixzz1WnR59YFV

Live Theatre expands
by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal, September 3rd 2011


AMID a flurry of activity as talented young actors, writers and aspiring comedians prepare to share the spotlight in Live Theatre’s new autumn season, chief executive Jim Beirne has announced the purchase of a 1753 schoolhouse to nurture more rising talent.

Jim said their newly acquired property, which is connected to the back of the Broad Chare theatre, marks a further step in their commitment to children and young people – considered as an important part of its new writing agenda.

Bought for £430,000 with the help of Arts Council funding, the idea is to house cultural and creative organisations, such as design companies, in the former school to part-finance its plans and use the top of the four-floor property for a young people’s project.

“It’s really an extension of what we already do and we hope kids will just drop in and there’ll always be someone there to help them with their comic book writing or film project or whatever,” explained Jim. “It’s a question of how we raise money to do that, but the most important thing is that we’ve acquired the building.

“We’ve always had our eye on it.”

Access will be opened up through Live’s atrium to the school, which in more recent years was used as barristers’ offices. It has since stood empty for about a decade.

The building’s frontage is Grade ll-listed so will remain untouched but, having steered the historic Live Theatre building through an extensive and sensitive revamp, Jim says the refurbishment of the interior is unlikely to present any particular problems once enough money is raised – hopefully by the end of the year – to get started.

“Internally, there’s nothing of any real historic value, ” he added.

The venture is the latest of the theatre’s “enterprising solutions” drawn-up to secure its financial future and follows the launch of The Broad Chare down the street – its gastro-pub venture with Terry Laybourne – and its online play-writing course.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/09/03/preview-live-theatre-s-new-autumn-season-61634-29353810/#ixzz1X4Kv1ugP

NewcastleGateshead to stage World Shakespeare Festival
by David Whetstone, The Journal, September 7th 2011

http://www.worldshakespearefestival.org.uk/wsfassets/images/content/wsf-news-newcastle-317x317.jpg

ALL of the world’s a stage – but the North East will occupy a significant chunk of it when the World Shakespeare Festival takes place next year, coinciding with the Olympic Games.

The Theatre Royal, Sage Gateshead and Northern Stage will play host to five new festival productions between June 26th and July 28th 2012.

All will be either produced or commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) which has forged strong links with the region since 1977.

The World Shakespeare Festival will form part of the London 2012 Festival which is to be the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad.

Launched yesterday at the British Museum in London, it was described as a celebration of Shakespeare as the world’s playwright.

Michael Boyd, artistic director of the RSC, which is producing the festival in collaboration with other leading UK and international arts organisations, said: “Shakespeare is no longer English property.

“He is the favourite playwright and artist of the whole world and studied at school by half the world’s children.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/09/07/north-east-set-to-stage-world-shakespeare-festival-61634-29375975/#ixzz1XG0h08rX

Don't know if this has been mentioned before, so apologies if it has.

Live Theatre commissioned a series of video's of Newcastle's Quayside which is hosted by John Grundy - I watched them during a visit today and thought they were quite good. Anyway they are also available to view online at the Theatre's web site @ http://www.live.org.uk/about/history.php

Worth watching them :)

Val McLane, who was one of the founders of the Live Theatre, was one of the people involved in the University Theatre occupation. She impressed me as being a good person and I have a lot of respect for her. I also seem to remember learning that she is related to Jimmy Nail (sister?).

Val McLane, who was one of the founders of the Live Theatre, was one of the people involved in the University Theatre occupation. She impressed me as being a good person and I have a lot of respect for her. I also seem to remember learning that she is related to Jimmy Nail (sister?).

Yes Val is the sister of the infamous Mr Nail.

.

Yes Val is the sister of the infamous Mr Nail.

.

I remember her from her from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet when she played Dennis's sister Norma.

Delaval family archive used to compile new
exhibition at Woodhorn Museum.
by David Black, The Journal, September 12th 2011


FASCINATING archive material from the history of a famous North East family has gone on display at a leading visitor attraction in Northumberland.

The official opening of the new harbour in the seaside village of Seaton Sluice in March 1764 is the focal point of the exhibition which opened at the weekend at the Woodhorn Museum and Archives Centre near Ashington.

Visitors to the exhibition, which runs until December 23, are transported back almost 250 years to the Seaton Sluice harbour opening, and are able to meet some of the characters involved in the event.

It was put together after months of detailed research into the Delaval archive held at Woodhorn, as part of the Working Lives project which was launched thanks to almost £250,000 from the Heritage Lottery fund.

In January 1822 a massive fire ripped through Seaton Delaval Hall, completely destroying part of the grand house. Fortunately, servants managed to save a lot of the contents, including a number of documents.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/09/12/delaval-family-archived-used-to-compile-new-exhibition-at-woodhorn-museum-61634-29404223/#ixzz1Xirl6G5U

Tynemouth Priory Theatre boosted by Likely Lads play
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, September 16th 2011

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Tynemouth_Priory_Theatre_new_facarde.jpg

AN AMATEUR theatre group raising funds to revamp its building were given a boost from an unlikely happening.

In May Tynemouth Priory Theatre staged Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? based on the 1970s Tyneside-based TV series written by Whitley Bay’s Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement.

The enduring popularity of characters Terry Collier and Bob Ferris saw almost 1,500 tickets for the show selling out in double-quick time.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/likelylads.jpg

The theatre group members were taken aback by the demand as almost a week before the first performance of a six-night run, all seats were sold and they added an extra Saturday matinee performance.

The profits from the show were a welcome fund-booster for the theatre, which receives no financial support from any outside bodies.

Now the theatre has completed the major job of rebuilding its foyer.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/09/16/tynemouth-priory-theatre-boosted-by-likely-lads-play-61634-29432059/#ixzz1Y6ILffmj

Iconic swan is all the fashion
by Liz Lamb, The Journal, September 23rd 2011

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/bowes-museum-4889.jpg

ONE of the North East’s iconic art installations has been celebrated in the latest collection by acclaimed fashion designer Giles Deacon.

The former British Designer of the Year wowed fashion Press and buyers from across the world at London Fashion Week with a stunning range of pieces part-inspired by the Bowes Museum’s famous silver swan.

Darlington-born Giles often visited the museum while he was a pupil at nearby Barnard Castle School.

It is now hoped his celebration of the famous musical automaton could lead the way for the North designer to showcase his swan-inspired collection at the museum.

Joanna Hashagen, Keeper of Textiles, at Bowes Museum is delighted. She said: “It is brilliant that Giles is saying the inspiration came from the Bowes Museum’s silver swan.

“We have often talked about doing something together and this could be the start of something. I would love to show the collection.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/09/23/iconic-swan-is-all-the-fashion-61634-29472590/#ixzz1Yl9T32sf

Fifth NewcastleGateshead Art Fair
set to be biggest and the best yet
by Kim Carmichael, The Journal, September 30th 2011

http://media.kyte.tv/store/009/bor/1109/30/09/3539892-sg290922artfair_230_345.jpg?h=8de21f9f126e8055f2f12896b18abed7...http://media.kyte.tv/store/009/bor/1109/30/09/3539815-sg290921artfair_225_345.jpg?h=ed0314728668b89394c6cbdad3e051df

ARTWORK from across the world will captivate visitors at one of the region’s biggest cultural events.

The NewcastleGateshead Art Fair returns to The Sage Gateshead this weekend, with organisers vowing to stage the best event yet.

Now in its fifth year, the fair will feature the work of hundreds of artists represented by some 50 UK and overseas galleries.

And, with music and food also playing a part in the weekend, the fair promises to impress.

Fair organiser Vincent Woods said: “Over three days, we’ll have 8,000 to 10,000 people coming to the fair, so it’s one of the biggest cultural events in the
region. “The event is in its 5th year and people are very positive about it. I think the reaction is often ‘this is amazing, I didn’t realise we had this’.

http://media.kyte.tv/store/009/bor/1109/30/09/3539814-sg290916artfair_460_284.jpg?h=0027c16980bad08e459fc0096a30081c

“It’s something that we normally wouldn’t be able to have based here, but we do it against the odds.”

The fair has cemented its position as a highlight of the cultural calendar for the thousands of art lovers who are expected to visit the Sage today, tomorrow and Sunday.

The largest commercial art fair in the North East, the event provides the opportunity to find investment art and features an extensive range of unique and affordable paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, prints and glass.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/09/30/fifth-newcastlegateshead-art-fair-set-to-be-biggest-and-best-yet-61634-29514386/#ixzz1ZR7ILBGy

This looks to be an interesting exhibition.

It starts a week today, on Saturday 8th October 2011, in St George's Church (church hall) at the top of Osborne road, Jesmond.

It is on for two days, 8th and 9th October.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/30thSept2011001.jpg

Peter J Rodgers Website - http://www.peterjrodgers.com/

I went to the above exhibition on Saturday.

It was good, some interesting paintings . . . but too expensive to buy any!!

.
I know there is a "Theatre Royal Thread", but that was really only a Project Thread for the recent refurbishment. Routine info about events happening at the Theatre Royal, I think, belong on this thread along with similar items for similar/other locations . . .

Susan Boyle musical is to have
World Premiere at Theatre Royal
by Gordon Barr, The Journal, October 11th 2011


GLOBAL singing sensation Susan Boyle is to join the cast of I Dreamed A Dream, the musical based on her life, which gets its world premiere in Newcastle.

The chart-topping talent show star will appear on stage at the Theatre Royal each night for the finale of the musical, which opens there on March 23 next year.

Susan’s appearance will be the first opportunity for people to watch her perform in the UK on stage since the Britain’s Got Talent tour in 2009.

She will then continue with the cast for the remainder of the UK and Ireland tour.

It marks a huge coup for the Royal and for the show’s producer, Wallsend-born Michael Harrison.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the musical about my life story and very much looking forward to stepping on stage and performing with the cast,” said Susan. “It is an honest portrayal of my life and has been a cathartic process to be involved in.”

Michael Harrison added: “I can’t quite believe that we have managed to get the phenomenon that is Susan Boyle to come and do this musical but she is really behind it and we’ve had script meetings.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/10/11/susan-boyle-musical-premiere-s-in-newcastle-61634-29572669/#ixzz1aSQjpVRa

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£4million appeal for People's Theatre funding
by David Whetstone, The Journal, October 15th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/oct2011/0/7/people-s-theatre-image-2-867414616.jpg
People's Theatre in Heaton

A THEATRE company celebrating its centenary is looking ahead to the next 100 years with ambitious refurbishment plans. The management committee of the People’s Theatre has launched a £4m centenary appeal aimed at transforming the look of the building.

The amateur company, in which stars such as Kevin Whately, Ross Noble, Neil Tennant and Andrea Riseborough cut their teeth as performers, has occupied several sites since it began in Newcastle under the auspices of the British Socialist Party.

Since 1963 it has occupied an 80-year-old former cinema beside the Coast Road in Heaton, Newcastle, which it bought and converted at a cost of £150,000.

A fundraising leaflet put out by the company declares: “Our building has reached its limits.”

It explains that an engineering survey indicated that "unless a significant amount of work was done to the structure and its electrical and other systems, its future could be in jeopardy. Our ambition is not just about keeping going but about making the building much better for the future.”


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/10/15/4million-appeal-for-people-s-theatre-funding-61634-29599051/#ixzz1apsW5dwJ

I have lived in Heaton for over 20 years and I have never attended any production at the People's Theatre, I don't think I have ever seen a leaflet from them either.
I always look at the posters when I go past and I love how they are always putting on big shows with big meaty parts. But I have never felt "included".

I have lived in Heaton for over 20 years and I have never attended any production at the People's Theatre, I don't think I have ever seen a leaflet from them either.
I always look at the posters when I go past and I love how they are always putting on big shows with big meaty parts. But I have never felt "included".


Go along and give it a try!

I think my parents must have known someone at the theatre at some point, as when I was a child, we seemed to go there quite often as a family.

Here are some 'links', from Section 12 of the External Websites thread . .

PEOPLES THEATRE
http://www.ptag.org.uk/
PEOPLES THEATRE ON FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peoples-Theatre-Newcastle-upon-Tyne/138827739488400

Certainly, it has always seemed a friendly and welcoming place.

Turner artists relish ‘war of talents’ at Baltic Arts Centre
by David Whetstone, The Journal, October 21st 2011


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BEING shortlisted for the Turner Prize meant “a blend of excitement and dread”, confessed Martin Boyce at yesterday’s media preview at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

Dread? “Yes, because of you lot,” said the Scottish artist, up for contemporary art’s big prize along with Karla Black, Hilary Lloyd and George Shaw.

It can’t be denied that the Turner Prize, in the past, has provoked a media feeding frenzy, with some choice headlines. In the past, shortlisted artists have exhibited unmade beds, pickled cattle and flashing lights. An element of Martin Boyce’s installation is a wastepaper bin which arguably makes him a hostage to fortune.

However, Laurence Sillars, chief curator at Baltic, said: “It’s disappointing that the first question with the Turner Prize is often: ‘Where is the shock?’ “But you could say that art has changed and audiences have changed. There aren’t any beds or sharks in this exhibition although there are some materials that will raise an eyebrow – such as Karla Black using soap and bath bombs.

He added: “The great strength of this shortlist is how diverse the artists are.”


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/10/21/turner-artists-relish-war-of-talents-at-baltic-arts-centre-61634-29634101/#ixzz1bPWNzqkF

Having heard comments on radio and seen TV snippets of the 4 works on display perhaps this is the best way to see this exhibition

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/2213/img4705hl.jpg

FROM THE OUTSIDE

KEN

Having heard comments on radio and seen TV snippets of the 4 works on display perhaps this is the best way to see this exhibition

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/2213/img4705hl.jpg

FROM THE OUTSIDE

KEN

Shaw does what he does VERY well. He is very skilful - almost photographic, but....... near photographic paintings of council estates is...

As to the others - and I am not a philistine - don't bother.

However Cantata Profana is quite brilliant

http://flaneur.me.uk/10/matt-stokes-cantata-profana-at-the-baltic-centre-for-contemporary-art-gateshead/

http://vimeo.com/17935543

Visitors pour into Baltic for Turner Prize event
by Rob Pattinson, The Journal, October 27th 2011

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Queues of art enthusiasts outside the Baltic yesterday

THE TURNER PRIZE exhibition has already pulled in almost half the total number of visitors the exhibition would expect to attract in London – in just one week.

By the end of today the Baltic gallery will have had more than 30,000 visitors through the doors to see the four shortlisted exhibits for this year’s prize.

Buoyed by half-term, more than 25,000 curious visitors headed to the gallery in the first five days alone.

The extraordinary visitor figures mean in just one week the Baltic has received half the total number of visitors who see the prize on average in London, after it opened last Friday.

Art bosses say they have been amazed by the lengthy queues as families wait for a glimpse of the high-profile competition and the record-breaking attendance has seen tourism bosses confirm they expect the region to enjoy the benefit of millions of pounds of extra income on the back of the exhibition.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/10/27/visitors-pour-into-baltic-for-turner-prize-event-61634-29669342/#ixzz1bxvM6cnu

Eye catching art work outside the Globe in the former Co-op bank building.


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Beamish Museum - Newcastle Trolley Bus

Following the below recent post on the 'Historic Newcastle' thread . . .

The Yellow Buses and Trolley Buses of Newcastle

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=85035803&postcount=2558
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This photo of the restored BEAMISH MUSEUM Trolley Bus, was in the Evening Chronicle of Tuesday 1st November 2011 . . .

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Beamish Museum - Newcastle Trolley Bus

Following the below recent post on the 'Historic Newcastle' thread . . .



This photo of the restored BEAMISH MUSEUM Trolley Bus, was in the Evening Chronicle of Tuesday 1st November 2011 . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TrolleyBus501atBeamishMuseum-1stNov2011.jpg

Do not go to Beamish Museum to see it as it is on "permanent loan" to the
Trolleybus Museuem at Sandtoft near Doncaster http://www.sandtoft.org.uk/ as I discovered recently when visiting Beamish

Note Sandtoft is only open to the public on certain days of the year

KEN

The ongoing discussion about "Newcastle Trolley Buses" has now reverted (back) to the Historic Newcastle thread.

Cultural events throughout region for 2012
by David Whetstone, The Journal, November 5th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/nov2011/1/8/london-2012-festival-ring-bells-for-another-olympic-artwork-at-the-sage-gateshead-793362530.jpg
Another Olympic artwork at The Sage

A FOLLOW-UP to last year’s spectacular Illuminating of Hadrian’s Wall is planned as one of the highlights of a major national arts festival to coincide with the Olympic Games in 2012.

A New York arts group called YesYesNo has been commissioned to create an artwork which can be viewed by visitors at several locations along the Wall and worldwide via the internet.

According to its website, YesYesNo specialises in “the creation of engaging, magical installations that combine creativity, artistic vision and cutting- edge technology”.

Last night Linda Tuttiett, chief executive of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage, said: “The commission is designed to showcase the North of England internationally using digital media and follows on from the success of the Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall event in 2010 which was viewed by a huge worldwide audience through the internet and generated £3m for the local economy.”

Beacons were lit at intervals along the famous Roman structure.

Ms Tuttiett said her organisation was working closely with the group, founded by artist Zachary Lieberman, to create “an iconic arts event”.

The Hadrian’s Wall project is just one element of the London 2012 Festival, which is to be the climax of the four-year Cultural Olympiad next summer, coinciding with the Games.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/11/05/cultural-events-throughout-region-for-2012-61634-29725096/#ixzz1cp6G17qc

Martin Boyce wins Turner Prize at the Baltic
by David Whetstone, The Journal, December 6th 2011


SCOTTISH ARTIST Martin Boyce was declared winner of the Turner Prize last night live on Channel 4 - but perhaps the real winner was Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Sir Nicolas Serota, director of Tate and instigator of the Turner Prize, said more than 120,000 people had already seen the exhibition, featuring work by the four shortlisted artists, in Gateshead.

He said the Turner Prize was a national competition and it was right that it should be seen nationally and not just in London. It had been a pleasure to work with a Baltic team under its director, Godfrey Worsdale.

The Turner Prize, the country’s most prestigious and controversial prize for contemporary art, was held annually at Tate Britain until it ventured out of the capital to Tate Liverpool in 2007 as a prelude to that year’s Capital of Culture year, but this year was the first time the competition had been held outside the capital and in a non-Tate venue.

Sir Nicholas said: "I think the fact it has been such a success in Gateshead is an indication of the success of Baltic itself. It is an indication of what has been achieved here."

Receiving the Turner Prize from celebrated photographer and art collector Mario Testino, Martin Boyce said: "I didn’t expect that. "It’s been a brilliant year to be part of this thing. The Baltic is a brilliant place but most of all it’s been a brilliant shortlist. "It’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of it."


Read More (Three Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/12/06/martin-boyce-wins-turner-prize-at-baltic-centre-for-contemporary-art-61634-29901118/#ixzz1fkAB1Tvp

Laing Art Gallery could benefit from tax scheme
by Liz Walker, The Journal, December 23rd 2011

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A NEWCASTLE Art Gallery could be gifted a stunning Christmas present thanks to a 101-year-old scheme that allows the rich to settle their tax bills by selling off works of art.

Over the last century, the Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) scheme has seen items of cultural and historical importance worth hundreds of millions of pounds transferred into the hands of the state and then presented to museums and heritage organisations across the country. This year alone the total has rung in at almost £20m.

In 2009, it was in part due to the AIL that Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland was placed in possession of the National Trust, as was Cragside, near Rothbury, Northumberland in 1977.

Now, nine exquisite pieces of North East glass work, currently on display in the Laing Art Gallery, look set to make Newcastle their permanent home. Curator Julie Milne said: “We have been given the fantastic opportunity for the Laing Art Gallery to acquire this unique glassware.

“The application is still in process but we are very hopeful that the bequest will come to the Laing via the AIL scheme.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/12/23/laing-art-gallery-could-benefit-from-tax-scheme-61634-29999081/#ixzz1hM4SpfUg

RNLI Grace Darling Museum waves goodbye to entry fees
by Brian Daniel, The Journal, December 30th 2011

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A MUSEUM that celebrates the life of a famous Northumberland heroine has announced it is dropping its entry charge.

The RNLI Grace Darling Museum at Bamburgh yesterday revealed it is now offering free entry to allow access to people who might otherwise not be able to afford to visit.

The move is also intended to bring the site inline with the charity’s other museums and museum bosses have dismissed suggestions the dropping of the charge suggests that it is in difficulty, or that the move is any kind of risk.

They hope the loss of income will be recouped from donations and shop sales.

The attraction celebrates the life of the iconic Victorian heroine who was just 22 when she rowed with her father in raging seas to reach survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire. Initially known only as the Grace Darling Museum, it has been operational since 1938.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/12/30/rnli-grace-darling-museum-waves-goodbye-to-entry-fees-61634-30031899/#ixzz1i0QPGfd8

Final weekend for Turner Prize exhibit
by David Whetstone, The Journal, January 7th 2012


A HIGH ATTENDANCE is predicted at Baltic as the Turner Prize exhibition enters its closing weekend. DAVID WHETSTONE talks to director Godfrey Worsdale

The exhibition opened to the public on October 21st, the winner was announced on December 5th – yet still the Turner Prize has pulling power at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Director Godfrey Worsdale hopes the final weekend will see visitor figures reach 150,000.

That would mean 10,000 people flocking to the Gateshead venue before the exhibition closes at 6pm tomorrow, but Godfrey is optimistic. Queues formed outside the venue when the eagerly anticipated exhibition first opened and between Christmas and New Year they returned.

With so many other things to occupy people over the festive period, that might seem odd. But Godfrey is ready with an explanation.

“This is a really busy period for us because you tend to get a lot of ex-pats making their annual pilgrimage home to visit relatives. The relatives want to take them to see the things that you just have to see when you are visiting Tyneside.”


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/culture-newcastle/arts-news/2012/01/07/final-weekend-for-turner-prize-exhibit-61634-30074422/#ixzz1inarR3cC

Turner Prize visitor figures at Baltic put London to shame
by Brian Daniel, The Journal, January 9th 2012


THE Turner Prize exhibition finally closed its doors last night with visitor numbers having smashed expectations.

The display of the 2011 entries for the world’s most controversial art prize at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art left the region last night with the unofficial total for people coming to see it put at 145,000. That compares to the 70,000 to 100,000 people who see the prize on average each year at its traditional home in London.

Last night the Gateshead exhibition was hailed the most successful event in the Baltic’s history by delighted bosses. The attraction’s hosting of the four entries for last year’s prize marked only the second time since the event began in 1984 that they have been on show outside the capital.

Tate Liverpool played host in 2007 – a year which failed to hit the attendance figures the Baltic has just produced. Baltic's display opened on October 21 with unprecedented 45-minute queues lining up outside the attraction.

In the first five days alone more than 25,000 visitors had passed through as school half-term holidays led to bumper crowds.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/01/09/turner-prize-visitor-figures-at-baltic-put-london-to-shame-61634-30083687/#ixzz1ix1LfRK5

Artwork commissioned by Sting to return to Newcastle
by Tom Rowley, The Journal, January 11th 2012

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ARTWORK commissioned by rock star Sting is to return to Tyneside as part of an exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery, inspired by the North East’s industrial heritage.

The Police star commissioned the painting Northern City Renaissance to go on show in 2008, with more than 60,000 people coming to see it at the Laing Art Gallery.

Now the piece is to go back on show in an exhibition of other pictures of the Tyne. The picture, which features landmarks such as the Sage Gateshead, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Millennium Bridge, will hang alongside 14 others as part of an an exhibition called 'Northern City Renaissance' which will run from 21st January to 6th May 2012.

Although it is a contemporary work – painted by top American artist Stephen Hannock between 2004 and 2008 – it harks back to the region’s coal mining and shipbuilding heritage. This history will be celebrated in the exhibition’s other works, including watercolours from the early 20th century. Paintings showing the Tyne at its busiest – brimming with ships and surrounded by industry – will bring the past to life.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/01/11/artwork-commissioned-by-sting-to-return-to-tyneside-61634-30098435/#ixzz1j8dOuT2b

I went to Tate Britain yesterday, being the culture vulture that I am, and paid £12 to get into the John Martin exhibition.

A fair few of the paintings are from the Laing Art Gallery where they'd be free to see. I'd very much recommend them, once they're returned (the exhibition ends tomorrow so I imagine it'd be quite soon).

North East museums celebrate £20m funding boost
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, January 25th 2012


MAJOR museums across the North East last night welcomed the news that they will share in a shell-out of around £20m a year. In what is a new funding regime for museums, Arts Council England announced the 16 major partner museums which are included in the £20m package for the next three years as part of its Renaissance programme for regional museums.

Tyne Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM) has been granted major partner museums status, and will qualify for Renaissance funding from April to 2015. Also successful was the County Durham partnership of Beamish and Bowes museums, and the Cumbria Museums Consortium of Tullie House in Carlisle, the Wordsworth Trust and Lakeland Arts Trust.

TWAM had applied for £1.8m a year and Beamish and Bowes a total of £2m over three years. The Arts Council received 29 eligible applications from museums across the country requesting £116.4m over three years, against a total budget for the Renaissance major grants programme for 2012-15 of around £60m.

The 16 successful applicants asked for a total of £23.5m, while the overall budget for Renaissance major grants is £20m. Over the coming weeks the final amount awarded to each organisation for 2012-2015 will be confirmed.

TWAM, consisting of 12 venues across Tyne and Wear, will use the funding to strengthen its ties with the local community, supporting local and national festivals, such as the annual Late Shows weekend of night time museums activity and encouraging the involvement of children and young people with museums

TWAM attracted 3,024,483 museum users in 2010-2011, comprising 2,018,233 in-person visitors and 1,006,250 virtual visits to its website.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/01/25/north-east-museums-celebrate-20m-funding-boost-61634-30193410/#ixzz1kSbn8IBX

Was just reading a contrasting post on the Sheffield forum that it had all it's funding from the same source cut and was facing a 30% reduction in funding and going to have to close museums, so great for the N.East that it hasn't met the same fate.

Discovery Museum in Newcastle plans new gallery
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, January 26th 2012

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BOOMING North East industry in the 19th Century lured hundreds of thousands of people to the area in search of a living and a new way of life.

Today, many families across the region are descended from these first incomers.

Now, a new gallery is being planned at Discovery Museum in Newcastle to tell their stories.

The project will go ahead after the award of a grant of £250,000 from the DCMS Wolfson Foundation to develop the interactive gallery about the making of modern Tyneside.

Hazel Edwards, manager of the Discovery Museum, said: “We are delighted that Discovery Museum has been granted the funds to develop this project. It is a very exciting development and will allow us to tell the story of how Tyneside came to be such a diverse place.”

Ideas for the new gallery are still at an early stage but it is likely it will tell the stories of real people who moved to Tyneside from the 19th to the 20th Century.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/01/26/discovery-museum-in-newcastle-plans-new-gallery-61634-30201385/#ixzz1kZ1UWTfi

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The Journal 'Culture Magazine', Tuesday 31st January 2012 . .
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Evening Chronicle, Tuesday 31st January 2012 . .
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Opening curtain on story of theatre in the region
by David Whetstone, The Journal, February 4th 2012

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The 'In the Limelight' exhibition at the Discovery Museum. Archive conservator Matt Parsons with the Theatre Royal decree

THIS MIGHTY DOCUMENT issued more than 200 years ago by George III goes on public display in Newcastle today, possibly for the first time. Dating from 1787, it is the ‘letter patent’ which allowed the city to call its new theatre, which opened the following year on Moseley Street . . . The Theatre Royal. The document, with its elaborate, handwritten script and stencilled image of the monarch, is signed: “By the Writ of Privy Seal Wilmot.” It is the impressive centrepiece of a new exhibition about Newcastle’s theatrical history which opens today at the city’s Discovery Museum to mark the 175th anniversary of the current Theatre Royal, where it is later to be displayed permanently.

Matt Parsons, archives conservator at the museum, said: “This is the first time it’s seen the light of day for decades. “It has been folded up so I’ve had to flatten it in a humidity chamber using lots of bulldog clips and elastic bands. “It’s on parchment (sheepskin) so it hasn’t discoloured and even the seal, although it’s in three pieces, is in excellent condition. “It hasn’t been conserved, which is rather good. The seal will be made of beeswax and rosin and when you try to glue pieces together it sometimes doesn’t work.” Also still in good condition is the hinged, leather-bound box – lined with 18th Century newspaper – in which the document was presented.

The name Theatre Royal was transferred to the current building when it opened on Grey Street in 1837, replacing the Mosley Street theatre which was demolished because it stood in the way of planner Richard Grainger’s redevelopment of the city centre.

The exhibition is a reminder of the important part theatre has played in the history of Newcastle. While there are only nine Grade One Listed theatres in all of England . . . Newcastle is alone outside London in having two, the Theatre Royal and the Tyne Theatre. Also, by including the People’s Theatre in the exhibition, it is acknowledging the contribution of amateur drama companies. The architect’s model of the current People’s Theatre, a former cinema bought and converted in the 1960s, was “unearthed in a dusty storeroom at the theatre”, said Adam.

In The Limelight: Newcastle’s Theatrical History is on at the Discovery Museum until September 16.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/02/04/opening-curtain-on-story-of-theatre-in-the-region-61634-30263669/#ixzz1lPGQk4we

A Local history exhibition celebrating Gateshead's rich heritage as a railway town is now on

Location; at Gateshead Heritage @ St Mary's ( the former church at end Tyne Bridge)

Until 11 March 2012 (Not open on Mondays)

Times 10:00 until 16:00 Free of charge

Well worth a visit - but whatever you do ensure you view the Slideshow of pictures ( some not viewable on ISee Gateshead website of pictures, images etc)

To see:- maps, photographs of people, places, engines etc from inception of railways in the town



Snaps by myself 07/02/12 ( hosted on Photobucket) of a few of the slides being displayed - pictures by Gateshead Council Libraries & Arts


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KEN


NH - to other appropriate threads?

.
I have just received the below e-mail from the SIDE GALLERY . . .

SIDE GALLERY, 9 SIDE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE1 3JE

Dear Friends,

GREAT NEWS . . .

Following on from our last communication, we thought you’d like to know that the Side Gallery 'Grants for the Arts' application to the Arts Council was successful. This is really welcome news, as in practical terms it enables us to keep the gallery open until the end of September, but it is actually much more than that.

Over the six months of the project funding, it gives us:

- An enhanced exhibition budget – which means we can programme more new work;

- The time to develop and implement a new marketing plan – so more people get to know about what we’re doing;

- Work with a fundraiser on our development plan – so the gallery gets to be resourced in the future and both it and the digitised archive become more accessible.

Obviously, the funding is only for six months – in a few weeks time we’re going to have to put in a new application for the twelve or eighteen months after that. However it is a start, and it’s an indication that the Arts Council is serious when it says that it wants the Side Gallery to survive and flourish.
.

Andrew Motion to headline Hexham Book Festival
by Nicola Weatherall, The Journal, February 27th 2012


FORMER poet laureate Andrew Motion is to headline a popular North East literary festival when it returns this spring. The seventh annual Hexham Book Festival will take place from April 23 to May 3.

This year’s event will celebrate the brightest and best of new fiction, together with a mix of gardening, food, and travel writers, plus views on art, politics and philosophy.

Novelist Iain Banks will be talking about his new novel Stonemouth and debut novelists SJ Watson, Rachel Joyce and Corbridge-based new crime writer Mari Hannah will be discussing their new books. The festival is also hosting veteran politician Tam Dalyell and political commentators Polly Toynbee and David Walker, who between them will provide an insight into the Labour party over recent decades.

In addition, renowned art critic Brian Sewell has written his memoirs and will be talking about his childhood and his relationship with art historian and Soviet spy Anthony Blunt. Festival director Susie Troup said: “I’m delighted with the breadth and variety of authors speaking at Hexham Book Festival this year, which, along with audiences, is another way in which the festival is growing.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/02/27/andrew-motion-to-headline-hexham-book-festival-61634-30412332/#ixzz1nZPnwJC5

Lego bricks to feature in Newcastle University exhibition
by Nicola Weatherall, The Journal, March 7th 2012

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IT HAS BEEN a childhood favourite for generations – and now experts hope it could hold the key to society’s big questions. Next week, Newcastle University will be unveiling an interactive exhibition featuring more than 110,000 blocks of Lego. The bricks will be used to make an ideal “mini-city” and, whilst it promises to be lots of fun, its main aim will be to explore major issues that impact on people’s everyday lives.

Called "The Great North Build", the project will look for answers to searching questions, such as how does a city plan for a growing and ageing population, and how can urban design improve the environment?

The exhibition is being held at Newcastle’s Great North Museum from Monday to April 14 and members of the public are being invited to be involved in the construction. From youngsters experimenting with chunky Duplo houses, to expert architects and city planners, everybody is welcome to play their part.

As the Lego town grows, micro-CCTV cameras will capture its development, and visitors can even expect to be challenged by unexpected real-life planning scenarios such as accommodating growing businesses or coping with flooding. The Great North Build event marks the public launch of the university’s new Institute for Social Renewal, which will be a dedicated centre for research into some of the biggest problems faced by individuals and communities today.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/03/07/lego-bricks-to-feature-in-newcastle-university-exhibition-61634-30474556/#ixzz1oQNU1fLM

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Robert Stephenson locomotive to go on show at
the Stephenson Railway Museum
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, March 13th 2012


THE LAST surviving locomotive of a type designed by railway genius Robert Stephenson is go on show at a Tyneside museum. Engine A No 5 has been in storage for the last five years at the Stephenson Railway Museum in Middle Engine Lane, near Silverlink in North Shields. The engine had been used on the museum’s passenger line but because of its historic importance it will now return after refurbishment as a permanent exhibit.

The museum opens to the public for a new season on March 31.

The locomotive was built in 1883 to Robert Stephenson’s “long boiler” design. This increased boiler size, so that more steam could be generated from its coal, but without lengthening the locomotive. This made the locomotives popular in the North East due to their ability to travel along sharp curves in collieries and others works sites.

No 5 was owned by the Consett Iron Company which, in addition to its steelworks, also ran collieries and cokeworks. The locomotive worked at the Consett company’s Derwenthaugh coke works in Gateshead and was finally pensioned off in 1968. It was acquired by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums from Beamish Museum in 1985. Volunteers and members of North Tyneside Steam Railway Association spent 10 years restoring the engine.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/03/13/robert-stephenson-locomotive-to-go-on-show-at-stephenson-railway-museum-61634-30517971/#ixzz1ozGhiQeP

Susan Boyle fans flock to Premiere, from around the Globe
by David Whetstone, The Journal, March 24th 2012

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From left: Marge Foster, Yvonnne Baker, Ruth Wilson and Julie Foster queue up

NEWCASTLE experienced one of its more extraordinary nights at the theatre last night as fans converged on the Theatre Royal from far and wide.

Was it the National Theatre?

Was it the RSC?

Was it a preview of the venue’s oft-proclaimed “most successful panto in the country”?

No - it was the premiere of a brand new musical about Susan Boyle, the Scottish singer of a certain age (she will be 51 on April 1st) who came second in a TV talent contest, and moved people around the world in mysterious ways.

Retired nurse Jan Spruce struggled yesterday to explain her infatuation with the Scot, whose first appearance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 saw expressions verging on derision turn to astonishment when she opened her mouth to sing I Dreamed a Dream from the show Les Miserables. “It’s most weird. I probably couldn’t tell you what the appeal is,” said Mrs Spruce, a 61-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent. I’m still trying to explain it to myself really."

According to theatre spokesman Marianne Quayle, last night’s very first performance of I Dreamed a Dream was “packed to the rafters”, although it was officially a preview night with cheaper ticket prices. The official first night is on Tuesday and there are still seats to be had. The show runs at the Theatre Royal until March 31 before going on tour.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/03/24/susan-boyle-fans-flock-from-across-the-globe-61634-30613000/#ixzz1q1uTfjiY

Susan Boyle sings at the Theatre Royal Preview Premiere
by Gordon Barr, Evening Chronicle, March 24th 2012

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/mar2012/0/8/featured-susan-boyle-26256386.jpg
Susan Boyle appeared at the end of the first preview evening of I Dreamed A Dream

SUSAN BOYLE sang in public for the first time in three years in Britain last night ... to a standing ovation on a Newcastle stage. The global singing sensation appeared at the end of the first preview evening of I Dreamed A Dream, the new musical about her life, which gets its official world premiere at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday next week.

A packed auditorium waited with bated breath to see if the chart-topping star would take to the stage, and they were not disappointed. Susan sang two songs flawlessly ... I Dreamed A Dream and Who I Was Born To Be.

Many in the audience – and they had come from all over the globe – had tears in their eyes as Susan rounded off what for everyone had been a top evening.

I Dreamed A Dream gets its official World Premiere at the Newcastle Theatre Royal, on Tuesday. Don’t miss the full review which will be in Wednesday’s 'Newcastle Evening Chronicle'.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/03/24/exclusive-susan-boyle-sings-at-theatre-royal-newcastle-72703-30615403/#ixzz1q3MxwVWr

Following on from Topsy's Baltic 39 post, here is the main link to the Late Shows website....http://www.thelateshows.org.uk/home.html

Noted when passing 20/03/12 approx 1215 that Thompsons of Prudhoe have recently completed the demolition of buildings in immediate vicinity of the museum - here are some pictures , Hosted on Photobucket

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1332.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1333.jpg


Wonder if any expansion plans for museum ?

KEN

Noted when passing 20/03/12 approx 1215 that Thompsons of Prudhoe have recently completed the demolition of buildings in immediate vicinity of the museum - here are some pictures , Hosted on Photobucket

Wonder if any expansion plans for museum ?

KEN

Land is owned by the Co-op Ken and the buildings were demolished to release the land to potential development but I doubt there is the funding for the Museum to expand.

Previously discussed @ http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=82440499&postcount=17

Land is owned by the Co-op Ken and the buildings were demolished to release the land to potential development but I doubt there is the funding for the Museum to expand.

Previously discussed @ http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=82440499&postcount=17


Thanks for that Steve

Just before I joined the Forum - but nice to read "a back issue" on what the properties that have been demolished were about

KEN

Pocket park! Newcastle- the city of parks! Hahaha! No buildings- but lots of empty plots with a few planters in them!

Northumberland Roman museum reopens after £1m revamp

A Roman museum in Northumberland has reopened after a £1m revamp.

English Heritage spent about six months upgrading Housesteads Roman Fort in Hexham, creating a new audio visual exhibition on its history.

Access to the museum for disabled visitors has also been improved, along with a refurbishment of the museum shop.

Read more:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-17571476

Not sure if this is the best place for this, but:

http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa449/newcastlepubs/IMG-20120331-00238.jpg?t=1333199122

and

http://www.highbridgequarter.co.uk/

Global food, yum! Live music, hurrah! Street performers... :runaway:

Incidentally, can a single street make up a 'quarter'? Surely it's just a street.