A historic lane in Newcastle upon Tyne has been given a vibrant new look as part of a city centre project aimed at putting creativity and culture at the heart of local life. Six local artists have transformed Forth Lane, a 500-year-old street, into a lively urban art gallery, celebrating the area’s history while injecting a fresh wave of creativity.
The initiative, led by Creative Central NCL in collaboration with Newcastle Arts Centre, Project North East, and NE1, selected six talented artists to create murals under the theme of “Pleasure Garden.” The newly revamped Forth Lane is now home to a series of striking artworks that breathe new life into the ancient site, once the pathway to a popular pleasure ground in the 16th century.
Among the artists featured is Chris Fleming, a stencil artist who has created two large portraits of local Newcastle residents, adorned with nature-inspired headpieces. His work aims to connect the city’s people with the natural world. Glenn Malpass, a street artist known for his graffiti commissions, has designed a large mural running along Forth Lane. The artwork takes inspiration from the historic route leading to the original Forth Pleasure Garden, a place where locals once gathered for leisure.
Jed Buttress, an award-winning investigative artist, brings history to life with a 3D wall mural mimicking ancient carvings. Laura Sheldon, also known as SHELDO, presents a bold, modern mural inspired by Victorian-era pleasure gardens, merging past and present in her striking design. Rebecca Purnell’s piece depicts ordinary Newcastle residents intertwined with nature, while Tullulah Lines offers a surreal and colourful mural celebrating the joy and freedom of the outdoors.
The transformation of Forth Lane harks back to a time when it led to a sprawling 4-acre pleasure garden, where locals enjoyed sports, dancing, and leisurely strolls. As Newcastle grew during the Industrial Revolution, Forth Lane and the park were absorbed into the expanding city, and the once tranquil space disappeared. Now, through this urban gallery, Creative Central NCL aims to restore some of the joy and serenity that the historic park once provided.
Speaking about the project, Laura Sheldon said she was thrilled to be part of the transformation: “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 capture the vibrant fashion of the Victorian era alongside a modern interpretation of green spaces as an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.”
Creative Central NCL is a five-year project funded by the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council, with an investment of £1.7 million. The project seeks to make Newcastle’s city centre a hub for creativity and culture, offering local artists opportunities to showcase their work and develop their careers.
Councillor Abdul Samad, Cabinet Member for a Vibrant City at Newcastle City Council, praised the project, saying: “It’s fantastic to see art brightening up our city centre, giving local people free access to public art and supporting local artists. Art and culture play a vital role in the wellbeing of our city, and this project is transforming public spaces in a truly striking way.”
The Forth Lane Urban Gallery is now open to the public.
