LOCAL LIST

This building is fascinating in many ways – in its origins, the time and process of building, as well as its distinguished architecture, by an equally if not more distinguished architect, Scottish-born Herbert Lewis Honeyman. The form of the building remains true to the original, and incorporates the adjacent 3 and 4 Saltwell View as well as the theatre building itself. It was financed by the well-known Dodds sisters, of Home House, Low Fell, who were founder members of the Progressive Players for whom it provided a home. The company lamented the lack of a theatre in Gateshead wherein they might perform, and sought to amend the omission. The building is extremely unusual in being built during World War II, some of the fittings having been purchased in advance, but the materials for the structure being obtained piecemeal as they became available. Thus, when the new venue opened in 1943, having suffered the set-back of bomb damage before it was even completed, it was not fully fitted out and makeshift provision was made for dressing rooms and stage access. The main theatre building was designed with the architectural emphasis squarely on Saltwell View, introducing (for the time) very contemporary proportions and detailing, but having regard to the storey heights of the adjacent terrace. The design has a strong horizontal emphasis engendered by a flat roof, a storey-dividing string course and extensive horizontal glazing. The effect was initially augmented by different treatments to each storey (a ground floor of bare brick with roughcast above) and by many horizontal glazing bars. The simple device of a curved staircase, for which a graceful, deeply curved bow window was provided, supplied additional aesthetic interest. The original timber doors, gently curving beneath their canopy, remain in place and are of particular importance, both architecturally and historically. Unfortunately the ground floor is now also rendered and the lost metal windows have been succeeded by plastic replacements with different glazing bar patterns and lacking the delicacy of the former. Signage is now also of relatively poor quality, and should an opportunity arise for this to be improved, or for lost features to be re-instated, it would be welcomed. The premises also boast interior interest, especially in the adapted terraced properties, which still proudly display their skirtings, cornices, ceiling roses and, most special, full depth timber bays with panelling to the base and sides. Other features include decorative corbels, etched/engraved glass and furniture contemporary with the theatre. It is most encouraging to note that the picture rails are now being utilised for their original purpose: to hold exhibitions of the work of local amateur artists and photographers. MATERIALS Brick, white cement roughcast, timber ARCHITECT Herbert L Honeyman
(6 Eldon Square, Newcastle) DATES 1943 (opened) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The architect was the son of John Honeyman, whose practice Honeyman and Keppie later took Charles Rennie Mackintosh into partnership. After coming to Newcastle, part of his work was as the surveyor to the Diocese of Newcastle, responsible for the vicarages as well as the churches. His commissions included work to St Andrew’s Church, Ponteland vicarage, Dunstan Hill and the drill hall at Tynemouth. He was keenly interested in conservation and deeply involved with the Society of Antiquaries and other related organisations, it being reasonable to suppose that these activities brought him into contact with Hope Dodds, engendering this commission. He even corrected and added to Nikolaus Pevsner’s Northumberland volume of the Buildings of England series. LOCAL LIST

This large stone villa, built in the first half of the 19th century, was divided into 2 residences with separate gardens by 1854. It was then altered, extended and divided into three separate dwellings in 1874. Building present in 1822. LOCAL LIST

Part of what was originally Woodside Villa, a large detached villa of the first half of the 19th century set in its own grounds. It was divided into 2 residences with separate gardens by 1854. A building is present on 1822 map but different. LOCAL LIST

This property was built for Thomas Aitchison in 1874 attached to a villa known as Woodside. It is built of local buff sandstone with a shallow pitched slate roof and mullioned window pairs which diminish in size to the first floor – exaggerating the height of the property in a classically inspired device employed more in the 18th century. The main body of the stonework is coursed and dressed but the window surrounds are ashlar. A substantial square bay graces the ground floor to the west, and an enclosed porch and portico have been added later in timber. MATERIALS Buff sandstone, Welsh slate, timber DATES 1874 (plans) LOCAL LIST

This sophisticated dwelling with appealing detailing was designed as part of a group of 4 pairs (which also included 9 & 11 Station Rd) oriented westwards towards the then scenic Team Valley. The quality of design and fine workmanship are characteristic of the buildings of William Lister Newcombe, who was active in the Low Fell area around this time (1874) and designed Underfell the following year. Common characteristics include decoratively punched bargeboards with neat finials to feature gables, gracefully tall chimneys and bold snecked stonework. Monumental stone bays give an impression of permanence, and solid stone staircases through attractive terraced gardens give access to the houses on the principal elevation, away from the road. Other notable details include hood mouldings and a recessed pediment-style moulded detail above the door. The settings of the buildings make a key contribution to their interest, boasting large gardens with mature trees and landscaping. These are special, well-built houses, which exemplify the great development phase of Low Fell, emanating the desire for superior quality, private houses in an idyllic rural location. MATERIALS Sandstone, timber, slate ARCHITECT William Lister Newcombe DATES 1874 (plans) LOCAL LIST

This charming example of a lodge cottage originally regulated entry into Ferndene, one of the earliest grand houses in Low Fell, which stood in extensive landscaped grounds with an abundance of glasshouses. Dating from around the middle of the 19th century, it was beautifully constructed in red brick of varying warm tones, with well-crafted ashlar dressings and a steeply pitched banded fishscale Welsh slate roof. It was built in the Tudor style, with wonderful attention to detail, including a tiny quatrefoil light to the attic space, moulded kneelers, fleur-de-lys finials and bold, elaborate double-octagon chimneys. It retains timber sash windows, although these are almost certainly not original. Unfortunately the building has undergone extension and internal remodelling, which have affected its historic integrity to some degree, but the overall character, ands especially the quality of workmanship and materials remain. Without these alterations, it would perhaps bear comparison with the lodge to Ryton Grove, albeit on a more modest scale. MATERIALS Red brick, sandstone, timber DATES Mid 19th century LOCAL LIST

This good quality bandstand was not the original one designed for the park, but was supplied by Beamish Museum after they had installed the original on their site. It has an Art Nouveau quality and a pleasing and distinctive roof profile which distinguish it for special care and attention. LOCAL LIST

This pavilion was the Christian Science Monitor Pavillion ,moved from Newcastle’s Exhibition Park in 1929, but now occupies a strong anchor position in the park in relation to the bowling green. MATERIALS Timber LOCAL LIST

This charming building, one of two lodges within the park, was formerly known as West Lodge. It was built as the park Superintendant’s house, and was originally immediately adjacent to the western entrance gates, but the road was altered and the entrance gates moved. It appears that it began life as a single storey cottage, incorporating only a kitchen and a bedroom. In the late 19th century, the staircase was added and the upper 2 bedrooms created, along with the dormer windows. Built in 1883. LOCAL LIST