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).
The Conservation of the Union Bridge
Our April lecture is a two-hander, at which the speakers will be Edward Cawthorn, Honorary Secretary of the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, and Simon Rudman, Engineering Design Manager of Northumberland County Council. Edward will lead, covering the fascinating history of the bridge and the conservation project. Simon will discuss some of the detailed conservation dilemmas that confronted the project team when they were preparing for and during the works.
When it opened in 1820 it was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world with a span of 137 metres, and the first vehicular bridge of its type in the United Kingdom. The deck of the bridge was completely dismantled during the process of conservation.
Full details of our April lecture
Regular lectures are held in the Fine Art Lecture Theatre of Newcastle University; instructions and map of how to find our lectures.
And a date for your diary:
Our AGM event this year will be on Saturday 10 May at The Farrell Centre for Architecture attached to Newcastle University. Members will be able to view the current exhibition 'Concrete Dreams' about (amongst other things) the ambitious plans for the development of Newcastle in the 1960s and 70s.
For that afternoon we hope to arrange a guided walk around Newcastle University's diverse assortment of historic and modern buildings, following the route set out in the Pevsner Architectural Guide to Newcastle and Gateshead in homage to its author, our late-lamented vice-president Grace McCombie.
Summer Trip to West Yorkshire
Following the success of last year's trip to Dumfries and Galloway we have reserved accommodation at the Scargill Movement's Community in Wharfedale. We plan to visit a mix of architectural wonders in the environs of Ripon, Skipton and Bradford. Bradford is this year's U.K. City of Culture and hopefully there will be some special architectural visits available. The wonderful chapel, and other buildings, at Scargill were designed by George Pace, (1915 - 1975) and we intend to visit several of his other works during our three-day trip.
More information; (booking is now closed).
