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Architects champion artwork for loo

Visitors to a Newcastle art gallery will be able to enjoy the artwork even when making a stop at the little boys’ (or little girls’) room, thanks to the support of a local architectural firm.

Mosedale Gillatt architects, who were responsible for the design of Northern Print’s building in the Ouseburn Valley, worked with Cumbrian artist Paul Scott to make the fully accessible WC a thing of beauty.

The ceramic tile artwork called ‘Willow Creek’ was unveiled to coincide with the opening of the Society of Wood Engraver’s 71st Annual Exhibition (16th January - 21st March), which arrives in the region for the first time in its history.

“Accessible toilets can get overlooked when it comes to design but Northern Print were determined to make theirs a work of art, so we worked closely with the artist Paul Scott when we drew up plans for the building to make sure this could be realised at a later date,” said Jenny Gillatt, director at Mosedale Gillatt Architects (MGA).

Paul Scott’s installation - made up of over 450 porcelain glazed tiles - celebrates the ceramic heritage of the Ouseburn Valley, incorporating the famous blue willow pattern.

“Our building was given a new lease of life by MGA, who won two Lord Mayor’s awards in the process, but in a former life was part of Woods Potteries that had at some time made the Willow pattern pottery - so this new installation is certainly very apt.” said Anna Wilkinson, director at Northern Print.

“Our belief that print isn’t only about editioned images in frames has been supported and championed by MGA. They are a shining example of a business that continues to actively support the arts in a useful and constructive way.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .