Northern Goldsmiths

Northern Goldsmiths has been part of Newcastle’s identity for generations, with its architecture, craftsmanship and distinctive gold clock becoming part of the visual memory of the city. A major redevelopment and relaunch created an opportunity not only to renew the space, but also to celebrate the history, stories and skilled making associated with it. The reopening marked a new chapter for Northern Goldsmiths while recognising the character and heritage that had made the building such a familiar part of Newcastle.

As part of this wider moment, Orbis Community brought together artists from our creative community to develop a contemporary response to the building and its history. Jonpaul Kirvan created the original illustration, which was then transferred to screen and printed onto Fabriano paper by Nick Christie of Incubate Printmaking, creating a bold graphic interpretation of the architecture and its famous clock. Embroidery artist Melanie Kyles of Slow Hand Creative Studio then completed the piece through embroidery and embellishment, working with glass beads, Swarovski crystals, pearls and metallic threads. The combination of illustration, printmaking and intricate handwork added texture, detail and a direct connection to the jewellery, decoration and craftsmanship associated with Northern Goldsmiths.

Created for the relaunch and installed within the building itself, the finished piece brought together illustration, print, embroidery and traditional hand skills in direct response to the place that inspired it. It allowed contemporary creative practice to sit within a historic setting, reflecting both the heritage of Northern Goldsmiths and the work of artists creating in the North East today.