Forth Lane 'transformed' into urban gallery

A new project has revitalised a historic part of Newcastle’s city centre, turning it into a vibrant public space celebrating creativity and local culture.

The project, led by Creative Central: NCL, brings art and culture to the heart of the city by turning Forth Lane, a 500-year-old pathway, into a striking visual experience with the theme Pleasure Garden.

In partnership with Newcastle Arts Centre, Project North East (PNE) and NE1, six selected artists created murals that now adorn the lane.

Highlights include Chris Fleming’s large-scale portraits of Newcastle residents with nature-inspired headpieces, Glenn Malpass’ expansive mural evoking the lane’s historical connection to the original Forth Pleasure Garden, and Laura Sheldon’s bold modern twist on Victorian pleasure gardens.

Laura said: “I’m elated to receive this commission.

"Newcastle holds a very special place in my heart, so to have a mural in such a central and historic area is a dream come true. 

“I wanted to include a modern style and serene character to emphasise how we still use green spaces as an oasis to escape the city’s hustle and bustle - looking back to the past, as well as looking forward to our ongoing relationship with nature.”

Laura, pictured with her mural

Once a tree-lined path leading to a leisure park in the 1500s, Forth Lane became part of Newcastle’s bustling cityscape during the Industrial Revolution.

With this new urban gallery, Creative Central NCL is aiming to restore some of the joy and serenity the lane once provided.

Funded by the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council, Creative Central NCL is part of a £1.7 million initiative to make Newcastle a hub for creativity.

Councillor Abdul Samad, cabinet member for a vibrant city at Newcastle City Council, added: “It is fantastic to see different pieces of art brightening up our city centre, providing local people with free access to public art, as well as opportunities for local artists to showcase their work and share it with others.

“Creative Central NCL is playing such a pivotal role in providing local artists and creatives the platform to establish themselves and grow, and it is testament to the project’s success that in just over a year, it has committed over £588,000 to artists and creative organisations.”

The Forth Lane Urban Gallery is now open, offering the public a free and immersive art experience.

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