The Society was established in the 1970s. It aims to encourage the study and enjoyment of architecture, buildings, their contents and settings by organising lectures and visits. It usually holds its lectures in the Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, and enjoys a close association with the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape of Newcastle University. (Read our constitution, revised October 2018).
50th Anniversary event at Seaton Delaval Hall
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of our society, we are holding a special event at Seaton Delaval Hall on the evening of Saturday 20 September 2025, from 5.30 to around 9.00 pm.
It is particularly fitting that we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of our founding (in1975) with an event at the 'Gay Delavals' party house in the north-east. Our last visit as a society was in 2008, to support the National Trust's campaign to acquire the property, and holding our anniversary party there will support the Trust in its continuing work of repair, conservation and presentation. We will also be anticipating the 2026 Vanbrugh 300 celebrations organised by The Georgian Group, in which Seaton Delaval will play a key role in the year-long programme marking the 300th anniversary of the death of its architect Sir John Vanbrugh. As the last of his three most complete and significant country house designs (following Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace) it typifies his highly theatrical English Baroque grand manner, despite being gutted by fire in 1822.
More information about this 50th Anniversary event, including how to book.
2025-26 programme
This is currently in preparation, and will be circulated soon. Meanwhile, here are dates for you to put in your diary;
- Lecture meetings 22 October, 12 November,
- Christmas Party, 3 December
- Members' Evening 21 January
- Book launch by Michael Johnson 18 February
- Lecture meetings 11 Mar, 22 April
- Annual General Meeting (St George's Cullercoats) 9 May
- Summer weekend away - to be announced, but will be in late June or early July.
Regular lectures are held in the Fine Art Lecture Theatre of Newcastle University; instructions and map of how to find our lectures.
