A brief history of Newcastle upon Tyne’s art ecosystem
Newcastle upon Tyne, located on the River Tyne’s northern bank opposite Gateshead to the south, is a cathedral city in the UK. The city’s art ecosystem has a rich history, evolving from its industrial past to a vibrant contemporary scene. The Laing Art Gallery, which opened in 1904 was crucial in fostering art appreciation in the city. Today, the Gallery houses an impressive collection of art and sculptures, focusing on British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver, and glassware on an international level. It also displays British artworks to pre-raphaelite masterpieces. The Gallery’s exhibition programme is renowned for bringing England’s biggest names in historical, contemporary, and modern art. Some of its permanent works that are on display are by John Martin, Henry Moore, and J.M.W. Turner.
Founded in 1925 by King Edward VII School of Art, Armstrong College, Durham University, the Hatton Art Gallery honours Professor Richard George Hatton and has significantly shaped the city’s artistic landscape, especially in modern and contemporary art. Establishing these institutions has provided a consistent source of inspiration for Local Newcastle artists and art enthusiasts.
As the renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe once said, “The abstraction is often the most definite form for the intangible in myself that I can only clarify in paint. . . .I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way— things I had no words for.” This sentiment resonates with Newcastle’s commitment to providing diverse and expressive artistic experiences.
The city’s art scene is further enriched by the presence of independent art galleries, such as the Biscuit Factory, the UK’s most extensive commercial art gallery, which also showcases contemporary craft and design. The Hancock Gallery, a fine art gallery, specialises in artwork by celebrated national, international, and 20th-century artists.
This diverse mix of institutions and galleries creates a dynamic and multifaceted art ecosystem catering to various tastes and interests. As the influential art critic John Ruskin observed, “Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart go together,” a statement that perhaps speaks to Newcastle’s dedication to both the craft and the intellectual engagement with art. This blend of established traditions and contemporary innovation continues to define Newcastle’s vibrant artistic identity.
Must visit museums for art lovers in Newcastle upon Tyne
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Laing Art Gallery
Address: New Bridge St W, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AG, UK
Admission: Free
The Laing Gallery was founded in 1901 and funded by Alexander Laing. The Marble Hall on the Gallery's ground floor houses the works of Henry Moore and Turner Prize nominee Paul Noble.
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Hatton Gallery
Address: King's Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QB, UK
Admission: Free
The Hatton Gallery is located at Newcastle University. It showcases a diverse collection of artworks from the 14th to 20th centuries, including works by Francis Bacon, Prunella Clough, and Richard Hamilton.
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The Biscuit Factory
Address: 16 Stoddart St, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN, UK
Admission: Free
The Biscuit Factory opened in 2002 in Newcastle upon Tyne and is an independent contemporary art gallery housed in a former Victorian biscuit manufacturing warehouse. It offers original art, sculptures, designs, and handmade crafts created by contemporary artists, skilled makers, and artisans across the UK.
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The Newcastle Arts Centre
Address: 67 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SG, UK
Admission: Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The Newcastle Arts Centre is a fine art and performing arts centre founded in 1981. It was officially opened by King Charles lll in 1988. The art centre also exhibited the "Northern Portrait" in 2017, when three artists, Aidan Doyle, Charlie Parker, and Steve Lyon-Bowes, joined together to showcase their distinctive artistic approaches to portraits
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Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
Newcastle upon Tyne's art scene offers a delightful blend of historical collections and contemporary expressions, perfect for art lovers. This two-day itinerary is designed to immerse you in the city's artistic heart, from grand galleries to hidden gems, all while keeping budget-conscious travellers in mind.
Day 1: Artistic Foundations and City Centre Exploration
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Morning
Begin your artistic journey at the Laing Art Gallery. Explore their impressive collection of British and pre-raphaelite art. Consider attending their regularly changing exhibitions on historic, modern, and contemporary art, events that include artists and curators, talks, and family activities. The upstairs contains 17th- 18th-century artworks, including John Martin’s paintings. Then head to the ground floor, which has the Marble Hall, a learning space, and a cafe where you can have your morning breakfast.
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Afternoon
Once you explore the internationally significant paintings by John Martin, Paul Gauguin, and Burne-Jones upstairs in Laing Gallery, head to the North Spirit Gallery located on the ground floor. It displays outstanding artworks and objects created by local artists like Thomas Bewick and Ralph Hedley. Also, don’t miss out on visiting Blue Carpet, a piece of public art, in front of the Laing Gallery. And with free admission, it’s a great way to start your art binge.
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Mid-Afternoon
Take a stroll through the city centre, Newcastle’s district, which is subdivided into areas of Haymarket, Quayside, Grainger Town, Monument, Gallowgate, and Chinatown. Admire the architecture and Newcastle’s public art installations at these places. Explore the Grainger Town area, known for its notable neo-classical architecture, unique shops, and nightlife. Then, you can also grab your lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown.
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Evening
For a taste of the city’s performing arts scene, consider a performance at the Theatre Royal or the Northern Stage. Wrap up your day by enjoying dinner in Quayside, an area known for bars and restaurants.
Day 2: Contemporary Focus and Discoveries
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Morning
Visit the Biscuit Factory, an independent gallery on two floors that showcases a range of contemporary crafts, sculptures, jewellery, original prints, design, and art. It’s a great place to discover unique and original pieces by emerging artists and makers. The Gallery also hosts changing programmes that represent the works of hundreds of artists each season. You can even purchase art from the Gallery. Some of the artists whose work is featured at the Biscuit Factory include Deborah Grice, Tom Voyce, and Emma Wilson.
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Afternoon
Head to the Hatton Gallery, located within Newcastle University, to discover its diverse collection. The Gallery comprises over 3,500 permanent works from the 14th century onwards. It includes works by Kurt Schwitters, Francis Bacon, Palma Giovane, Richard Hamilton, and more.
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Mid-Afternoon
If time allows, take a short trip across the river to Gateshead and visit the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Baltic produces exhibitions, activities, and opportunities through contemporary art by artists across the globe. The gallery also houses the BALTIC shop, a community cafe, and a cafe bar. BALTIC Kitchen is a great place to enjoy a fresh lunch.
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Evening
You can visit an intimate art gallery, such as Clarendon Fine Art, to explore their ever-changing art collections. The gallery features an impressive portfolio of rare, signed editions by some of the greatest modern masters of the 20th century, including Warhol, Miró, Picasso, and Lowry. Then, enjoy a final meal at Dobson and Parnell. This sophisticated restaurant boasts a buzzy atmosphere and a British and European menu. It’s a popular choice for a special occasion or a night out with friends. This place is open from Wednesday-Sunday.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
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Bonus Tip
Newcastle upon Tyne’s art scene is dynamic and ever-evolving. To experience its majestic art scene, you will find many taxis and cabs. The Tyne and Metro company operates metro, bus, train, and ferry networks at the most affordable and convenient prices. Tickets can be purchased at the bus, ferry, and metro stations or booked online to get a Pop Card to use in public transport networks in Newcastle.
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Pro-Tip
Take advantage of the free admission offered by many of Newcastle’s museums and galleries. Walking between venues or cycling around Newcastle in the city centre is also a great way to experience the city’s architecture and atmosphere. Bus rides are also the cheapest transport option for people on a budget to explore the city.
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Secret Weapon
Some galleries offer audio guided tours. The Hatton Gallery is one such place, providing audio guides for select exhibitions. Similarly, the Great North Museum: Hancock also offers audio tours, so be sure to check for updates. Download the gallery’s official app or check their website in advance to see if audio guides are available. Bringing a pair of headphones can also enhance your experience.
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Expand Your Artistic Horizons
While you’ve explored the art of Newcastle, consider expanding your artistic horizons beyond the city limits. Elisium Art connects collectors with museum-quality contemporary paintings by extremely talented artists from emerging countries worldwide. Elisium Art’s curated online platform offers a seamless and personalised experience for acquiring original fine art. Whether you were captivated by the collections at the Laing Art Gallery, intrigued by the contemporary works at the Biscuit Factory, or inspired by the views from the BALTIC, Elisium Art provides a way to discover exceptional art from around the globe and build a truly international collection.
