Last weekend was my first opportunity for a long while to have time away from Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Some friends invited me to visit them in South Shields which is close to Sunderland and the National Glass Centre. Somewhere
I have wanted to visit for a long time.
The whole weekend turned out to
be very interesting with a day in Newcastle visiting galleries and even a a visit to the
theatre to see 'Geordie The Musical'!
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| First stop:The National Glass Centre |
The
national glass centre was not quite what I expected, looking very
industrial and hidden from the outside but when inside it was a very
modern light and airy in the sunshine, ideal for glass!
The
centre had a good mix of contemporary exhibits and the history of
glass. It was really interesting to find out more about the the glass
industry in the North East,something I didn't know much about.
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| Making drinking glasses on a lathe with a blow torch |
It
was a great opportunity to see glass which uses different techniques.
It was nice to see both demonstrations, exhibitions and pieces to buy in
the shop
showing the skill of glass making and its possibilities as a creative
medium. As always with glass, there are such a variety of outcomes
(though often not always to my taste!) that show real skill!
I
really enjoyed seeing the skilled glass makers using techniques which I
have not had access to since University, like glass blowing and hot
lathe work (something ive never seen before!). Hot glass is far too
scary for me, I like the control of the kiln but hot glass is an amazing
skill and is great to see in the flesh!
As
a kiln formed glass maker I did have my eyes on all the array of
equipment they had in the workshops, I have quite serious kiln and
sandblaster envy.... If only I had unlimited space in my workshop!
I really would recommend
The National Glass Centre
if you are in the north east, there is lots to see and do whether you
are obsessed with glass (like me!) or not. It has a lovely light and
airy restaurant too with food served on glass of course!
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| 'Geordie the musical' beer mat |
After
a busy day at the glass centre I had a surprise trip to the theatre in
the evening. My friends knew one of the actors in a musical at
The Customs House
so got us tickets. Now I am not normally one for musicals, random
breaking out into song usually disturbs me, but 'Geordie The Musical'
was good! It was set in the 1900's and based around an interesting story
with traditional folk songs from the North East. It was a great
introduction to Geordie culture!
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| A view of Newcastle quayside from The Baltic. |
Sunday
was spent visiting Newcastle which seems to be full of bridges (no
surprise being on the Tyne!) I really like structure so I was quite
inspired by their shapes!
It
was really nice sunny (but windy!) weather so I had a good walk around,
exploring the quayside and Ouseburn areas of the city to see two
galleries on my to do list: The Biscuit Factory and The Baltic.
I
have to say the signage around the city was very good, I didn't get
lost once and found places easily, Manchester could certainly learn a
thing or two from Newcastle!
The
Baltic was definitely an interesting building to visit, very modern,
great views of the city and a really good library (I spent most of my
time there!).
I wasn't so impressed by the exhibits, a
bit too conceptual for me as someone who is interested in well made
objects rather than concepts. But still worth a visit!
I did particularly enjoy visiting the
Biscuit Factory
a gallery which specializes in contemporary art and craft, much more my
thing. As the name suggests the gallery is a really nicely converted
biscuit factory!
They have some really great quality work on display, my particular favourites were some of the ceramics and of course glass!
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| My favourite: Porcelain box by Myer Halliday |
I loved the subtle textures and intricate patterned ceramics from Myer Halliday and Alison Hellyer, beautiful.
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| Ceramics by Alison Hellyer |
This hot worked glass from Graham Muir was very impressive, such amazing skill to produce pieces of this scale and complexity!
A complete contrast in style to these delicate looking glass pieces.
As
well as the work on display, I particularly liked the glass window
installation at the gallery. Sadly I couldn't see any info about it!
I
thought It was really good how the building had these creative and
handmade elements like the window and unique hand shaped door handles.
I would certainly recommend a visit
there much like the
craft centre in Manchester its a great place in the North East to see and buy craft!
I
will definitely have to visit again as many interesting places were
closed on Sunday (much like my own studio!), I will have to go on
another Ouseburn tour next time including the city zoo!
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| 36 Lime street studios |
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| Cobalt studios |
See you soon Newcastle!
