If you take a walk along the Quayside in Newcastle you are unlikely to miss the striking building on the far side of the Tyne, in Gateshead. Situated in the shadow of the Tyne Bridge this is a concert venue with two main auditoria, a rehearsal space, a music education centre and a leisure destination with several bars and eating places. It is also a must-see, and must photograph, building!
It was designed by renowned architect Lord Foster (Norman Foster) and was his first for the performing arts. Its construction played a major role in the cultural revival of Gateshead and the Quayside in particular, along with the Baltic Gallery, driven by a council eager at the time (late 1990s/early 2000s) to compete with its larger neighbour across the water. It opened in 2004 and immediately became an unmistakeable sight on the river front, with its huge curved roof of stainless steel and glass. That roof, if laid flat, would be large enough to cover two football pitches. And the concrete used in its construction could, according to the Sage website:
fill 23 competition-size swimming pools, make almost 5 million foot-square paving slabs β enough concrete flags to build a path 800 miles long from St Jamesβ Park, Newcastle, to the San Siro Stadium in Milan β and still have enough left to pave over the pitch six times!
I find the building very photogenic, especially in black and white. On one of our regular visits to Newcastle this New Year weekend I’m reminded that I have amassed quite a collection of photos over the years. Here are some of my favourites.
I’m linking to Brenβs Midweek Monochrome challenge and, for the first time, Leanne’s Monochrome Madness challenge.
Most of these shots were taken in colour and converted in Silver Efex Pro, but a few were taken in black and white
I visit Newcastle and Gateshead regularly; these photos were taken between 2014 and 2020
33 Comments
SoyBend
The amazing architecture shines in black and white. Good subject for monochrome, Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Siobhan, I do enjoy photographing this particular building!
Bren
Amazing building and beautiful images Sarah xx
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, I’m pleased you enjoyed seeing it π
bushboy
What am amazing building π
Sarah Wilkie
It is pretty striking Brian – glad you enjoyed seeing it π
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Marilyn Armstrong
I can see why you find it photogenic! All those wonderful curves — it’s a different building from each angle.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, you’re right Marilyn – every angle is a little different π
Teresa
Wow this building is very photogenic.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, I love all the curves π
Margaret
Fascinating Sarah!
I havenβt visited Newcastle since 1992 when our son finished his University course there. Weβve recently discussed revisiting so Iβm sure we are in for some pleasant surprises since 1992! π
Sarah Wilkie
Oh yes, it’s changed so much since then, I’m sure you’d find lots to like in the city. Let me know if you have any questions when planning a trip!
Monkey's Tale
It is very photogenic. I really like your close-up shots the best.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much π
grandmisadventures
The black and white really makes a striking impact on already beautiful pictures π
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you π
Heyjude
Looks like a giant hungry caterpillar in that first shot. A very distinctive building which wasn’t there on my one and only visit to Newcastle way back in the early 1990’s. I’m now wondering what it looks like in colour. I like all your varied angles, reminds me of how I photographed Sydney’s famous opera house.
Sarah Wilkie
Haha Jude, I know what you mean about the caterpillar π Malcolm (below) has suggested I post some colour images as a follow-up, which I may well do one day. Meanwhile you can see it in one of the photos in this post: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/newcastle-a-city-and-its-river/ (about halfway down, first photo under the Tyne Bridge heading)
Easymalc
I can see why you thought it was a good subject for B&W Sarah as the building is more about the shape than anyrhing else
Sarah Wilkie
The shape yes, and also the reflections π Although I do also have some colour photos that I like, so maybe I should post those one day?!
Easymalc
As you say, the reflections as well, particularly at night. I think you should post those as a comparison.
margaret21
Oh, this is a splendid exploration of this iconic building, which (Oh, the shame!) I have never been inside.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Margaret π I have to admit that although I’ve been inside several times to look around, we’ve never yet got around to going to a concert here. it’s something we tend to only think of once we’re up in Newcastle and by then it’s too late to get tickets for anything remotely interesting!
margaret21
Exactly our problem.
thehungrytravellers.blog
Great photosβ¦.not entirely sure I like the buildingβ¦.
Sarah Wilkie
It wouldn’t work everywhere but I like it in this location and enjoy photographing it π And if you saw the dereliction and general mess that was here before you might like it more!
the eternal traveller
What an interesting building. Great photos too.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you π Glad you liked seeing it!
Alison
Very arty photos, would look good framed
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Alison – yes maybe, although perhaps more for a public building than cosy home?
Anne Sandler
An amazing structure Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
It is – and so striking in that location too π