There’s something completely unmatched about the spirit of a Newcastle pub. It’s not just about grabbing a pint; it’s about the centuries of history, the roaring laughter, the architectural quirks, and that unmistakable Geordie warmth.
As an artist, I’ve always been fascinated by the facades of these legendary watering holes. They stand as monuments to the city’s culture. That’s why I set out to capture their unique personalities in a new collection of hand-illustrated digital prints—perfect for anyone who wants to bring a piece of Toon heritage into their home.
Capturing History, One Detail at a Time
My process blends traditional hand-drawing techniques with a clean, contemporary digital finish. I want to highlight the character of these buildings—the slightly wonky lines, the intricate brickwork, and the historic signage that makes them stand out on a crowded street.
Featured Print: Balmbras
For anyone who knows Newcastle's history, Balmbras on the Cloth Market is legendary. It’s immortalised in the famous Geordie anthem "The Blaydon Races", making it a true holy grail of local culture.
In Balmbra's digital print, I really wanted to lean into its distinctive, grand facade.
-
The Style: The illustration uses bold, stylized outlines and a muted, atmospheric colour palette that gives it a gritty yet modern edge.
-
The Details: Look closely and you'll see the cross-hatching texture, the unique arched windows, and the classic Dutch-gabled roofline that makes the building so recognizable.
It’s a mix of architectural appreciation and a bit of a punk, indie-art vibe—hence the mood of the piece!
Bring the Toon Home
Balmbras is just the beginning. The full collection features a line-up of Newcastle's finest establishments, each with its own story to tell.
Which Newcastle pub holds your favourite memories? Let me know in the comments below
Add comment
Comments
I love Balmbra’s ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Many many happy memories of this place in the early 80s ❤️