Bringing Art to the Heart of Newcastle
A historic lane in Newcastle upon Tyne has been transformed into a vibrant urban art gallery, thanks to six talented artists. This remarkable project, led by Creative Central NCL, is designed to infuse creativity and culture into the heart of the city centre.
Location and Theme of the Urban Gallery
The Forth Lane Urban Gallery is located on a 500-year-old lane in the city, with the theme “Pleasure Garden.” In collaboration with Newcastle Arts Centre, Project North East, and NE1, Creative Central NCL chose six artists to showcase their works, each offering a unique perspective on the concept of pleasure and nature.
Artists and Their Contributions
- Chris Fleming: Known for his stencil art, Fleming has created two large-scale portraits of Newcastle residents adorned with vibrant headpieces inspired by nature, flora, and fauna.
- Glenn Malpass: A street artist specialising in graffiti, Malpass painted a large mural along Forth Lane, drawing inspiration from the original Forth Pleasure Garden and its historical significance. Mark One87 directed the piece’s artistic elements.
- Jed Buttress: An award-winning investigative artist, Buttress’s 3D wall mural resembles ancient carvings, telling a story rooted in Newcastle’s history.
- Laura Sheldon aka SHELDO: Sheldo’s striking mural brings a modern twist to the Victorian pleasure gardens, combining vintage inspiration with contemporary flair.
- Rebecca Purnell: Purnell’s work depicts the connection between Newcastle’s ordinary people and nature, with faces and limbs entwining with trees and foliage.
- Tullulah Lines: Lines’s piece is bright, bold, and surreal, celebrating the freedom and joy of nature and the outdoors in an imaginative and magical way.
A Historic Lane Reborn
Forth Lane, dating back to the 1500s, has seen many transformations. Once a gateway to a 4-acre field used for various leisure activities, the lane and its surrounding area were integral to the community until the Industrial Revolution altered the landscape of Newcastle. With the growth of the city, the peaceful, tree-lined paths and leisure spaces disappeared.
Restoring Tranquillity with Art
The newly established urban gallery is part of Creative Central NCL’s mission to bring back the sense of tranquillity and joy that people once experienced on Forth Lane. This art-filled transformation is not just about creating beauty in the city; it’s about restoring a connection to nature and offering a peaceful escape from urban life.
Artist Reflection: Laura Sheldon’s Inspiration
“I’m elated to receive this commission,” said Laura Sheldon. Newcastle is incredibly dear to me, and having a mural in such a central and historic location feels like a dream realized. My goal was to blend the exuberant fashion of the time with a surreal depiction of the Victorian Pleasure Garden, emphasizing how green spaces continue to serve as an oasis in our busy city lives.”
Creative Central NCL: Investing in Culture
Creative Central NCL is a transformative project funded by the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council. With an investment of £1.7 million, the project aims to make central Newcastle a hub for creativity and culture, providing opportunities for local artists and businesses to thrive.
Local Government Support for the Arts
Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet Member for a Vibrant City at Newcastle City Council, expressed his enthusiasm about the project: “It’s fantastic to see art brightening up our city centre, offering free access to public art and supporting local artists. Creative Central NCL is playing a pivotal role in nurturing creativity, and it’s great to see the success it’s already achieving.”
A Cultural Revolution in Newcastle
The Forth Lane Urban Gallery is a shining example of how public art can revitalize historical spaces, offering new opportunities for local artists while bringing the community closer to its artistic and natural heritage. Creative Central NCL is making a profound impact on the city, helping to establish Newcastle as a leader in public art and culture.