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).
Annual General Meeting
at St. Andrew's Church, Roker
Photos © Michael Johnson
Our next meeting is our AGM, which this year will include visits to two churches to compare and contrast, north of the Wear in Sunderland.
We will begin at St. Andrew's Church, Roker - built in 1906-7 to designs by E.S. Prior, it is widely known as the cathedral of the Arts & Crafts movement. Prior, a luminary of that movement, believed that architecture should be guided by simple design logic and the celebration of materials and workmanship although he was not above incorporating traditional elements.
Foregathering over tea/coffee in the church hall will be followed by a talk on the architect and his design. The formal business meeting will follow a buffet lunch (provided by Cheese & Pickle of Sunderland). A short talk about Gimson's furnishings in the church will introduce an hour's free exploration and appreciation of this remarkable building.
We will then travel about a mile south geographically and several centuries back in time to St. Peter's church, Monkwearmouth, famed as one half of the Jarrow/Wearmouth monastery where Bede lived and worked. As well as significant survivals from its Anglo-Saxon origins c. 673 A.D., the present building incorporates elements from just about every century since. Some of the earlier features are echoed in Prior's design for St. Andrew's.
Two summer excursions
- Brampton, Cumbria: An Architectural Walking Tour
- details and booking information about this day trip in June have now been circulated to members; numbers are limited, so booking is on a first-come first-served basis. Please return your booking form as soon as possible.
- Our Summer Trip to South-West Scotland
- is now fully booked; thanks very much to all those who responded quickly. If you have missed your chance but would like to come, contact Ian Wells to go on the waiting list. More details of this architectural tour and flyer with further details as previously circulated.
