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).
Tour of recent works at Belsay Hall, Northumberland
The next item in our calendar is a visit to Belsay, with its medieval castle, Grecian hall and 30-acre Grade I-listed gardens, a jewel in the North East. However, in recent years time had begun to take its toll. Consequently English Heritage launched the 'Belsay Awakes' project in autumn 2021 to conserve this historic site. But the ancient masonry of the Castle was in desperate need of repair. In the classical Hall the unique architectural design had caused damp issues for over two hundred years, while in the gardens much of the original planting material had been lost.
More for your diary:
- Our 2024 Annual General Meeting event
- on Saturday 11th May 2024 will include visits to two churches to compare and contrast, north of the Wear in Sunderland: St. Andrew's Church, Roker is widely known as the cathedral of the Arts & Crafts movement, while St. Peter's church, Monkwearmouth, is famed as one half of the Jarrow/Wearmouth monastery where Bede lived and worked. Full details have now been circulated to members: please return your booking form early to avoid disappointment, and by Friday 26th April at the very latest.
- Brampton, Cumbria: An Architectural Walking Tour
- details and booking information about this day trip 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 and booking form.
