English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Commercial
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
District
Gateshead
Easting
427160
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ25NE
MONTH1
3
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
555780
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Mid 20th Century 1933 to 1966
Place
Birtley
Description
PREMISES OF NATIONWIDE RETAIL SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION
A 2 storey commercial building, originally a co-op, with some Art Deco influences. It is built of brown brick with metal(?) detailing. To the ground floor is a modern shop front consisting of new windows, doors and fascia inserted into the frame of the historic principal elevation, which fills the width of the main 5 bay core of the building. Above are 5 metal 15 pane casement windows, with a box-section metal surround and a header course atop. The short wings to each side incorporate oculus lights with header surrounds and curved box-section metal hoods. There is a concrete eaves cornice, with header course beneath to the wings, which also incorporate a boundary wall with concrete coping. An extension has been added to the rear. MATERIALS Brown brick, metal, concrete DATES Late 1930s/1940s? (By 5th Ed.) STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This building is an interesting commercial survival representative of its era in both materials and detailing – particularly with the use of brown brick and metal window frames, and the remnant Art Deco influences stepping of the elevation. It retains many original features, and the extension to the rear is not visible from the main elevation. This ensures that the original proportions of the building are maintained well, giving a satisfying geometric symmetry. LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
Shop
SITEDESC
Premises of Nationwide Retail Systems
A 2 storey commercial building, originally a co-op, with some Art Deco influences. It is built of brown brick with metal(?) detailing. To the ground floor is a modern shop front consisting of new windows, doors and fascia inserted into the frame of the historic principal elevation, which fills the width of the main 5 bay core of the building. Above are 5 metal 15 pane casement windows, with a box-section metal surround and a header course atop. The short wings to each side incorporate oculus lights with header surrounds and curved box-section metal hoods. There is a concrete eaves cornice, with header course beneath to the wings, which also incorporate a boundary wall with concrete coping. An extension has been added to the rear.
MATERIALS Brown brick, metal, concrete
DATES Late 1930s/1940s? (By 5th Ed.)
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This building is an interesting commercial survival representative of its era in both materials and detailing – particularly with the use of brown brick and metal window frames, and the remnant Art Deco influences stepping of the elevation. It retains many original features, and the extension to the rear is not visible from the main elevation. This ensures that the original proportions of the building are maintained well, giving a satisfying geometric symmetry.
Site Name
Lamesley House, Durham Road
Site Type: Specific
Cooperative Store
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7448
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/069
YEAR1
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Education
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
CONDITION
Destroyed
DAY1
21
DAY2
28
District
Gateshead
Easting
422530
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
MATERIAL
Brick
MONTH1
3
MONTH2
10
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
561590
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Early 20th Century 1901 to 1932
Place
Dunston
Description
These council schools followed on from educational provision begun with the Parish school and continued with the board schools (towards the river). Both were planned in 1909, but the junior department was built straightaway (opening in 1910) whilst the Infant department was delayed until 1914. They are of exceptional quality and architectural vitality – equally, imaginatively unusual but completely different in detailing. The scale and materials are nonetheless very similar – again utilising the low profile and animated roofscape familiar from many other historic schools, which were proportioned to suit their occupants.

The architecture of the junior school is finely detailed. Rusticated stone banding and plinth enhance the stretcher bond brickwork, with carved stone detailing to the gable apexes, (mostly) flat arched brick window heads and decorative eaves details. The predominantly blue Welsh slate roofscape is remarkable in its use of green Westmorland slate banding and stepped kneelers halfway down, as well as to the base of the water tabling. It is further embellished by terracotta ridge tiles and ball finials to the hips. Carved, Incised plaques elaborately denote the boys and girls’ entrances and the cookery area (which originally had an Aga, although this has now been removed). All the exterior detailing remains, including an attractively detailed rainwater hopper and downpipe brackets, and all the original timber windows (part sash, part casement) remain save 2 to the rear.

The interior is also remarkably intact. Of particular interest is the vast central hall space, which is very light and airy and runs longitudinally with the building. Designed in 2 parts with lantern lights to each, there are classrooms flanking the main space, divided from it by extensively glazed partitions panelled with timber below. The space is distinctive and very successful, and contributes greatly to the overall character of the building. The roof structure can be seen in the cookery area, where delicate curved braces spring from moulded corbels to support the tie beam.

The Infant school building boasts simpler and more robust geometric detailing. Flemish bond brickwork gives it a distinctive patterned appearance, with the structure consisting of a gabled, clerestoried central portion, with low flanking wings. The slate roof features unusual geometric water tabling to gables which descends to square kneelers, and on one side the tilting fillets to the eaves push through, with their extending rafters, the round headed half-dormers ascending from below. In this building the large, airy hall is transverse, with an open roof structure incorporating square columnar queen posts and straight braces on chunky corbels. Again the interior remains largely intact, with the same parquet floors visible in the older building, and the geometric detail continues with diamond glazing bars to the half-glazed timber doors. Unfortunately, however, al the original timber windows have been replaced with plastic and there is a small but poor quality flat-roofed extension to the side. MATERIALS Red brick, sandstone, Welsh & Westmorland slate, timber. ARCHITECT Joseph Potts & Son (57 John St, Sunderland). DATES 1910 (Junior) and 1914 (Infant). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Brian Johnson, Lead singer of rock band AC/DC, attended the school. During World War II the entrances were reinforced with blast walls and sand bags, and an air raid shelter was built in the grounds. LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
School
SITEDESC
This school was formerly on the Gateshead local list, but was removed in 2023 due to its demolition.
These council schools followed on from educational provision begun with the Parish school and continued with the board schools (towards the river). Both were planned in 1909, but the junior department was built straightaway (opening in 1910) whilst the Infant department was delayed until 1914. They are of exceptional quality and architectural vitality – equally, imaginatively unusual but completely different in detailing. The scale and materials are nonetheless very similar – again utilising the low profile and animated roofscape familiar from many other historic schools, which were proportioned to suit their occupants.
The architecture of the junior school is finely detailed. Rusticated stone banding and plinth enhance the stretcher bond brickwork, with carved stone detailing to the gable apexes, (mostly) flat arched brick window heads and decorative eaves details. The predominantly blue Welsh slate roofscape is remarkable in its use of green Westmorland slate banding and stepped kneelers halfway down, as well as to the base of the water tabling. It is further embellished by terracotta ridge tiles and ball finials to the hips. Carved, Incised plaques elaborately denote the boys and girls’ entrances and the cookery area (which originally had an Aga, although this has now been removed). All the exterior detailing remains, including an attractively detailed rainwater hopper and downpipe brackets, and all the original timber windows (part sash, part casement) remain save 2 to the rear.
The interior is also remarkably intact. Of particular interest is the vast central hall space, which is very light and airy and runs longitudinally with the building. Designed in 2 parts with lantern lights to each, there are classrooms flanking the main space, divided from it by extensively glazed partitions panelled with timber below. The space is distinctive and very successful, and contributes greatly to the overall character of the building. The roof structure can be seen in the cookery area, where delicate curved braces spring from moulded corbels to support the tie beam.
The Infant school building boasts simpler and more robust geometric detailing. Flemish bond brickwork gives it a distinctive patterned appearance, with the structure consisting of a gabled, clerestoried central portion, with low flanking wings. The slate roof features unusual geometric water tabling to gables which descends to square kneelers, and on one side the tilting fillets to the eaves push through, with their extending rafters, the round headed half-dormers ascending from below. In this building the large, airy hall is transverse, with an open roof structure incorporating square columnar queen posts and straight braces on chunky corbels. Again the interior remains largely intact, with the same parquet floors visible in the older building, and the geometric detail continues with diamond glazing bars to the half-glazed timber doors. Unfortunately, however, al the original timber windows have been replaced with plastic and there is a small but poor quality flat-roofed extension to the side.
MATERIALS Red brick, sandstone, Welsh & Westmorland slate, timber.
ARCHITECT Joseph Potts & Son (57 John St, Sunderland).
DATES 1910 (Junior) and 1914 (Infant).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Brian Johnson, Lead singer of rock band AC/DC, attended the school. During World War II the entrances were reinforced with blast walls and sand bags, and an air raid shelter was built in the grounds.
Site Name
Dunston Bank, Dunston Hill Primary School
Site Type: Specific
Primary School
HER Number
7447
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List; Local List Factsheet X20/LL/067; Building Control Plans T292/plan 771, T292/plan 902
SURVIVAL
None
YEAR1
2006
YEAR2
2009
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Religious Ritual and Funerary
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
COMP2
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
DAY2
07
District
Gateshead
Easting
425980
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26SE
MONTH1
3
MONTH2
1
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
560460
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Early 20th Century 1901 to 1932
Place
Low Fell
Description
Presbyterian Church built in 1913.Important stained window of the William Morris School. Inherited artefacts from the Presbyterian Church that stood on the site of the 5 Bridges Hotel. Erected on the site of a corrugated iron church of c1907. LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
Place of Worship
SITEDESC
Presbyterian Church built in 1913 on the site of a corrugated iron church of c1907.
Includes important stained window of the William Morris School.
Inherited artefacts from the Presbyterian Church that stood on the site of the 5 Bridges Hotel.
Site Name
Denewell Avenue, United Reformed Church
Site Type: Specific
Presbyterian Chapel
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7446
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/066; Peter Ryder, 2017, The Nonconformist Chapels of Gateshead
YEAR1
2006
YEAR2
2019
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
District
Gateshead
Easting
425960
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26SE
MATERIAL
Brick
MONTH1
3
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
561310
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Early 20th Century 1901 to 1932
Place
Low Fell
Description
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE A good and unaltered example of a 1930s semi with special features of interest such as stained glass and curved entrance bay. Has been looked after exceptionally well. LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
House
SITEDESC
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
A good and unaltered example of a 1930s semi with special features of interest such as stained glass and curved entrance bay. Has been looked after exceptionally well.
Site Name
128 Dryden Road
Site Type: Specific
Semi Detached House
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7445
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/065
YEAR1
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Commercial
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
District
Gateshead
Easting
427020
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ25NE
MATERIAL
Timber
MONTH1
3
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
556590
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Early 20th Century 1901 to 1932
Place
Birtley
Description
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This rather undistinguished looking building is actually of significant historical importance in Birtley, as one of the only 2 remaining remnants of the settlement of Elisabethville, founded for Belgian refugee workers during the 1st World War. Most of the buildings were demolished in the 1930s. This was the market building (marche) that formerly stood adjacent to the church, and its long, low form would lend itself well to this purpose. The materials used for construction are uncertain, although there appears to be timber framing with possibly board panels between, which are rendered. The roof is mainly of slate, but it has been patched up and altered to the east elevation. This building is an important historical reminder of a short-lived but greatly significant episode in the life of the area. MATERIALS Timber stud walls & framing with render?, slate roof DATES c1916 LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
Market
SITEDESC
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This rather undistinguished looking building is actually of significant historical importance in Birtley, as one of the only 2 remaining remnants of the settlement of Elisabethville, founded for Belgian refugee workers during the 1st World War. Most of the buildings were demolished in the 1930s. This was the market building (marche) that formerly stood adjacent to the church, and its long, low form would lend itself well to this purpose. The materials used for construction are uncertain, although there appears to be timber framing with possibly board panels between, which are rendered. The roof is mainly of slate, but it has been patched up and altered to the east elevation. This building is an important historical reminder of a short-lived but greatly significant episode in the life of the area.
MATERIALS Timber stud walls & framing with render?, slate roof
DATES c1916
Site Name
Devon Crescent, Lamesley Road Garage
Site Type: Specific
Market Hall
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7444
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/064; www.asaplive.com/Local/Histories.cfm
YEAR1
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Commercial
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
District
Gateshead
Easting
411930
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ15NW
MATERIAL
Sandstone, brick
MONTH1
3
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
558260
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Early 20th Century 1901 to 1932
Place
Chopwell
Description
DESCRIPTION
Ground floor commercial premises with accommodation above, situated at the end of a terrace. The ground floor is constructed of large sandstone blocks with deep red brick to the upper storey. The roof is of low-pitched slate with terracotta ridge tiles. The shop-front on the ground floor consists of a deep sandstone stall riser with an unusual large and wide 3 over 3 pane timber sash window spanning the top of it. Above this is a row of diagonal mesh vents. To the left of this is the shop door set in a traditionally-styled deep doorway, with another door to the left of this set in rather a deep surround. Crowning the whole ground floor is a deep fascia with heavy moulded cornice having dentil detail, and 3 small rounded pediments supported on incised brackets. All the woodwork is painted deep jade green, except the white-painted sash. To the 1st floor are a pair of timber casements to the right, and a single one to the left with dentilled brick cornice above. The windows have sandstone sills and lintels, with a stone jamb between the pair. MATERIALS Sandstone, red brick, slate, timber DATES 1909 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This is a rare survival of an Edwardian commercial premises remaining virtually unaltered, with good quality materials and detailing. Although the property would benefit from maintenance, and the sashes have been lost to the 1st floor, the stonework and timberwork are of especial character, making an interesting contribution to the street scene, and to the social and commercial history of Chopwell. LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
Shop
SITEDESC
DESCRIPTION
Ground floor commercial premises with accommodation above, situated at the end of a terrace. The ground floor is constructed of large sandstone blocks with deep red brick to the upper storey. The roof is of low-pitched slate with terracotta ridge tiles. The shop-front on the ground floor consists of a deep sandstone stall riser with an unusual large and wide 3 over 3 pane timber sash window spanning the top of it. Above this is a row of diagonal mesh vents. To the left of this is the shop door set in a traditionally-styled deep doorway, with another door to the left of this set in rather a deep surround. Crowning the whole ground floor is a deep fascia with heavy moulded cornice having dentil detail, and 3 small rounded pediments supported on incised brackets. All the woodwork is painted deep jade green, except the white-painted sash. To the 1st floor are a pair of timber casements to the right, and a single one to the left with dentilled brick cornice above. The windows have sandstone sills and lintels, with a stone jamb between the pair.
MATERIALS Sandstone, red brick, slate, timber
DATES 1909
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This is a rare survival of an Edwardian commercial premises remaining virtually unaltered, with good quality materials and detailing. Although the property would benefit from maintenance, and the sashes have been lost to the 1st floor, the stonework and timberwork are of especial character, making an interesting contribution to the street scene, and to the social and commercial history of Chopwell.
Site Name
27 and 29 Derwent Street
Site Type: Specific
Shop
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7443
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/063
YEAR1
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
District
Gateshead
Easting
425170
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26SE
MONTH1
3
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
560250
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Low Fell
Description
DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Built in 1874 for James Norval, it was one of 3 villas designed to sit along a slender new road lying east of the railway line – Derwent Crook Drive. This area retains its original secluded character, but Underfell is the only villa that retains almost all of its original features. It boasts decorative bargeboards with matching dormers on a steeply pitched roof, and in a change from the original design it has a large and sturdy porch to the main entrance door. This is echoed in the solid canted bays, and the whole building is lofty and imposing in a steep topographical setting. Whilst it has had many small alterations and additions over the years, this has had only minimal effects on its character as all the key features are still present, including the timber sliding sash windows with pull handles and much decorative plasterwork internally. It is set in sizeable grounds, which form an appealing and mature landscaped setting to the building, and include a grand stone staircase with heavy stone balustrade employed to address the level changes in the garden. MATERIALS Rich buff sandstone, Welsh slate, timber ARCHITECT W L Newcombe DATES 1874 LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
House
SITEDESC
DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Built in 1874 for James Norval, it was one of 3 villas designed to sit along a slender new road lying east of the railway line – Derwent Crook Drive. This area retains its original secluded character, but Underfell is the only villa that retains almost all of its original features. It boasts decorative bargeboards with matching dormers on a steeply pitched roof, and in a change from the original design it has a large and sturdy porch to the main entrance door. This is echoed in the solid canted bays, and the whole building is lofty and imposing in a steep topographical setting. Whilst it has had many small alterations and additions over the years, this has had only minimal effects on its character as all the key features are still present, including the timber sliding sash windows with pull handles and much decorative plasterwork internally. It is set in sizeable grounds, which form an appealing and mature landscaped setting to the building, and include a grand stone staircase with heavy stone balustrade employed to address the level changes in the garden.
MATERIALS Rich buff sandstone, Welsh slate, timber
ARCHITECT W L Newcombe
DATES 1874
Site Name
Underfell, Derwent Crook Drive
Site Type: Specific
Villa
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7442
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/062; Tyne and Wear Archives CB.GA/BC/plan/1874/12
YEAR1
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
N
AREA_STAT
Conservation Area
Class
Domestic
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
District
Gateshead
Easting
425760
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26SE
MONTH1
3
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
560420
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Low Fell
Description
LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
House
Site Name
2 and 4 Denewell Avenue
Site Type: Specific
House
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7441
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/061
YEAR1
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Education
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
District
Gateshead
Easting
430040
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ36SW
MONTH1
3
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
562660
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Place
Bill Quay
Description
DESCRIPTION
This late 19th century red brick school is a fine example of educational architecture from the period, which is still in use for its original purpose and despite some unfortunate additions retains its fill of Victorian charm. The most visually striking architectural feature is the use of double pitched slated roofs, resulting in rather a haphazard but lively roofscape with a profusion of gables of different sizes facing in different directions. This is further embellished by a small central turret and water tabling. Distinctive stone bands traverse the gables below the apex, but although the trios of window openings are still topped and tailed with stone lintels and cills set in bands, the windows themselves are now of plastic rather than timber. Originally divided for use by girls to one side and boys to the other, it is now divided along age lines between infants and juniors. MATERIALS Red brick, slate, sandstone ARCHITECT Thomas Oliver Builders RJ & JW Carr DATES 1878 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Cost £5000. Matthew Lowes Clerk of Works. LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
School
SITEDESC
DESCRIPTION
This late 19th century red brick school is a fine example of educational architecture from the period, which is still in use for its original purpose and despite some unfortunate additions retains its fill of Victorian charm. The most visually striking architectural feature is the use of double pitched slated roofs, resulting in rather a haphazard but lively roofscape with a profusion of gables of different sizes facing in different directions. This is further embellished by a small central turret and water tabling. Distinctive stone bands traverse the gables below the apex, but although the trios of window openings are still topped and tailed with stone lintels and cills set in bands, the windows themselves are now of plastic rather than timber. Originally divided for use by girls to one side and boys to the other, it is now divided along age lines between infants and juniors.
MATERIALS Red brick, slate, sandstone
ARCHITECT Thomas Oliver Builders RJ & JW Carr
DATES 1878
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Cost £5000. Matthew Lowes Clerk of Works.
Site Name
Davidson Road, Bill Quay Primary School
Site Type: Specific
Primary School
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7440
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/060; Donald Spencelayh, 1968, The Work of the Heworth School Board 1875-1903 (unpublished thesis)
YEAR1
2006
English, British
ADDITINF
N
Class
Recreational
COMP1
Jennifer Morrison
DAY1
21
District
Gateshead
Easting
424640
Grid ref figure
8
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
MONTH1
3
Grid Reference
NZ
Northing
562600
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Mid 20th Century 1933 to 1966
Place
Bensham
Description
Now The Sound Room, Redheugh Studios. DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This refined, restrained brown brick building, lying low to the land, was formerly the Redheugh Library, one of the first community libraries in Gateshead, and in all likelihood partly inspiring the later, curvaceous Borough Treasurer’s Department. Its flat, layered planes are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie style, but despite the stark contrast in the context, it succeeds extremely well here, drawing the landscape in with integral planting beds to the perimeter wall (at the base of the visual hierarchy). The horizontality of the building planes are skilfully complemented by the vertically proportioned windows, with the only notable detail stout moulded door surrounds in painted concrete(?). Subtle variation is provided by the use of differing brick bonds – English Bond to the western end, elegantly curved and originally housing the reading room, with stretcher bond to the remainder of the main building and English Garden Wall Bond to the perimeter. The layout appears to have been broadly similar to that of the central library, with a central lending area and a reference room to the right of the entrance, plus a basement for storage. Whilst the external appearance of the building has been compromised due to problems with vandalism and alterations necessitated by a change of use (skylights removed and windows blocked up, with haphazard repair works), it is remarkable that it has survived at all in such a hostile location. Although they are covered up, the deep sash windows do survive to the apse, with skirtings below, and the old radiators have been incorporated into the new heating system. In the basement doors can still be seen with their original handles and keyholes, but all the historic shelving has been stripped out. MATERIALS Brown brick, concrete, timber DATES 1939 LOCAL LIST
Site Type: Broad
Art and Education Venue
SITEDESC
Now The Sound Room, Redheugh Studios. DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This refined, restrained brown brick building, lying low to the land, was formerly the Redheugh Library, one of the first community libraries in Gateshead, and in all likelihood partly inspiring the later, curvaceous Borough Treasurer’s Department. Its flat, layered planes are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie style, but despite the stark contrast in the context, it succeeds extremely well here, drawing the landscape in with integral planting beds to the perimeter wall (at the base of the visual hierarchy). The horizontality of the building planes are skilfully complemented by the vertically proportioned windows, with the only notable detail stout moulded door surrounds in painted concrete(?). Subtle variation is provided by the use of differing brick bonds – English Bond to the western end, elegantly curved and originally housing the reading room, with stretcher bond to the remainder of the main building and English Garden Wall Bond to the perimeter. The layout appears to have been broadly similar to that of the central library, with a central lending area and a reference room to the right of the entrance, plus a basement for storage. Whilst the external appearance of the building has been compromised due to problems with vandalism and alterations necessitated by a change of use (skylights removed and windows blocked up, with haphazard repair works), it is remarkable that it has survived at all in such a hostile location. Although they are covered up, the deep sash windows do survive to the apse, with skirtings below, and the old radiators have been incorporated into the new heating system. In the basement doors can still be seen with their original handles and keyholes, but all the historic shelving has been stripped out.
MATERIALS Brown brick, concrete, timber
DATES 1939
Site Name
Cuthbert Street, Redheugh Library
Site Type: Specific
Public Library
SITE_STAT
Local List
HER Number
7439
Form of Evidence
Extant Building
Sources
Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/059
YEAR1
2006