After Dark

NewcastleGateshead's weekend of after-hours culture returns in this year's The Late Shows.

Over Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May, Tyneside cultural venues are throwing open their doors for a lil bit longer and hosting some top-notch events for all of us North East culture buffs.

The TLS gang recently released their programme for this year's happenings, and by golly, by gosh, what a line-up it is.

Here's what I've got my eye on:

Printmaking @ Northern Print
I am a bit mad on all things screen-printed at the minute, so what better way to feed this obsession than to see how it's actually done? I love knowing the processes behind things like this so I'll be first in the queue for the event at Ouseburn's print mecca.

Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair @ Hatton Gallery
Ah, my old stomping ground. I worked at the Hatton whilst I was at uni, but have actually only been back a couple of times since then, which is just criminal. The HG currently have an exhibition dedicated to the Monroe, highlighting British photographers and personalities who worked with her. I've always been massively intrigued by Marilyn Monroe's lifestyle, so this a must-see for me.

Ginny Reed @ The NewBridge Project
Reed's solo exhibition - closing on 17th May - explores the way we receive and digest information via digital forms. Looking at the idea that we constantly crave information, Reed presents work in the form of Vine videos, memes, gifs and samples. I have a big interest in the age of distraction so especially looking forward to this one.

You can download the full The Late Shows programme here.

Which events have you got eyes on?

*Image cred: The Late Shows

Music Slash Art, Newcastle upon Tyne

There's a new cool kid in Toon.

MSA (Music Slash Art) is the UK's first truly art integrated music venue, curated by the guys over at Unit 44 (over in culture hub, Hoults Yard), and at the end of last month it opened it's doors.

With specially curated installations providing backdrops for live performances, this is the ideal amalgamation to showcase the ever-thriving music, arts and culture scene in Newcastle.

The interior has also been decked out by contemporary design masters, Deadgood - if you haven't already checked out their range, get to it. 

Now, I haven't had chance to get down there for a nose around yet, but I absolutely cannot wait to see what this venue has in store.

All images courtesy of MSA / Full Fat 

The Big Move

After 5 long months of finalising everything for our first flat together, we finally get the keys to our very first property on Friday! So, apologies if my posting is somewhat sporadic over the next few weeks whilst we get ourselves sorted.

Our beautiful Tyneside flat is on a very pretty street on Tynemouth fringe, a short walk from the coast and beautiful park. I'll be documenting the move as we get everything sorted and will post some photos once we are in and, for the most part, sorted. Tomorrow, we're off to raid Ikea...I can't wait!

To see what kind of style we're going for in our new flat, see my Home Style board over on Pinterest.


* Above prints L-R: Alison Hardcastle / SparklePower