NEWCASTLE ARCHITECTURE

Went to Newcastle this afternoon to collect my train tickets at The Central Station.  Then had a mooch in a couple of charity shops.  Got a top and a cardigan.   Then to the Grainger market to buy some fruit.  It was a very windy day - and its still blowing a gale this evening.  The wind is interfering with my TV reception but its not too bad.

My blip shot shows one of the lovely buildings on Grainger Street. As I was blipping it I decided to do some research.

It was formerly the Newcastle and Gateshead Gas Company. Designed by John Johnstone (1818-1884), but completed after his death and opened in 1886. It is very ornate with a great many decorative details. Gas companies in those days were flourishing and had money.

The main features are the prominent corner bay with its three levels of oriel windows. The skyline is particularly lovely as the attic rooms have elaborate gables fronting the pavilion roof and there are prominent finials. It is very much in the French Renaissance style and would not have been be out of place at all in a Paris street — or in certain parts of Kensington — from this period.  From 1960 until 1984 it housed Wengers Department store. When I was first married we used to order our Christmas hampers from Wengers.  It was empty and unused until 1999 when it opened as Yates Wine Bar. Its one of many lovely old buildings in Newcastle.  I will try and blip a few more in the future,

Steps today - 7,110