Monday 17 August 2015

Tyne and Tide


At the weekend, I headed off to the north east to visit my sister Sabena and her partner Gary. We were trying to work out the last time I was there on my own, it must have been before I had kids.
 
 
I love Newcastle, but I love these two even more!
 
 
As with so many cities which have a rich industrial heritage, there is impressive Georgian and Victorian architecture aplenty.
 
 
 Grey Street runs down to the Quayside in an elegant Georgian curve...
 

while the Central Arcade is an extravagently-tiled Edwardian hymn of praise to shopping.
 
 
A leisurely stroll by the Tyne in the sunshine was glorious.


We crossed the Millenium Bridge...
 
 
into Gateshead, to visit The Baltic art gallery.


The viewing platform offers fantastic views of the river and city...


as well as the kittiwakes which huddle along the side of the building.


Smiles all round!


Then on to have a nosey in the Sage, a live music venue on the Gateshead side of the Tyne.


On Sunday, we walked from Tynemouth to North Shields along the Tyne estuary.


The view behind us showed the Collingwood Monument and the two piers, marking the point where the estuary opens into the sea.


We saw a couple of people harvesting cockles on the mud flats.


Breakfast at Irvin's was delicious.


  We strolled back into Tynemouth through the newly-renovated Northumberland Park...


(yes, the greens really were that vibrant in the sun!)
 
before a browse around the market held at Tynemouth Metro station every weekend.
 
 
 
 
The Victorian ironwork and glass roof made it feel as though the market was taking place in a greenhouse, but it was good to see so many people enjoying the event, and the sun.


Tynemouth Longsands...


just beautiful.

And then it was time to go home.


I came back with a few finds from the market;
 
 
1970s Jean Allen shirtwaister dress
1970s floaty maxi
1960s handmade jacket
Two 1960-70s cotton day dresses
 
 
and also this 1960s dress. At a quid each, how could I leave them behind?

And the pendant is another 1960-70s stainless steel Lord Python piece, made in Sheffield by David Scott Walker. What were the chances of finding that in Tynemouth?


Or a swan brooch with the head of a diplodocus?


I'll be catching up with you soon, I promise.

xxx

43 comments:

Goody said...

A holiday alone-I can only dream.

You found some lovely items at the market-that jacket is a beauty-like YOU!

Thanks for the tour too-I get to visit the nicest places through your blog.

Goody said...

Well smack my bottom, I'm first!

Helga said...

That Jean Allen shirtwaister is divoon!
Newcastle is LOVELY> Far more beautiful than its Australian counterpart, for sure! Wonderful to spend time with your sis, gonna be doing that myslef soon!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX LOVE!

Patti said...

I can see how your sister enjoys your visit! She's got the biggest smile. Very nice shopping success, too and a truly stunning silver swan. Stay fabulous, you, xox.

Kezzie said...

I hardly ever visit Newcastle when I go up north but it is nice! You did well at the market- which market!??! I love those three dresses!x

Sheila said...

I love these stainless steel pieces you keep finding! They are gorgeous.

I also adore your travels - these are places I will probably never visit, so thank you for taking us along with you!

Olga Rani said...

Seems like it was an enjoyable trip! It was nice to get to know a new place through your photographs. The swan brooch is amazing!

Natalia Lialina said...

Newcastle looks like a beautiful city - and I don't doubt that it is, but of course, it is also your wonderful ability to love every place you write about, I just can feel your love and excitement in every photo. It's always lovely to see your dear sister, I am so glad that you finally had a chance to visit your favorite couple at their home. Was there even time when we did not have kids? I loved the blue dress (you and Vix are so coordinated this week!) and the funky brooch! Much love xxxx

ps Such a coincidence, Justin and I also visited an estuary on Sunday. :)

Fiona said...

Yes Helga is correct, I've been to both Newcastles and ours is definitely the winner. So much imposing architecture and history,
your weekend looks brilliant. Blue skies and breakfast are out just the things to accompany a visit to sis. The market looks wonderful and I love the frock you are modelling...a pound???? Insane! xxx

Vix said...

Hello, Sabena and Gary, long time no see!
Newcastle looks fantastic, what great architecture. The market looks good as do the green spaces and quirky details. The sea view is fabulous.
Your bargains are great. No wonder Newcastle's vintage fairs aren't a roaring success with prices like that. I do love a Jean Allen number and who could say no to a diplodocus-headed swan (my favourite dinosaur)?
That dress fits you like a dream.
Love you! xxxxxx

Kestrel said...

I love the 60s dress you are wearing, what a bargain! It's gorgeous. Also so impressed that you keep finding those pendants too, I've never seen one like that in a chazza and would love to find some great 60s or 70s jewellery

Mim said...

That looks lovely. I know a few people who've moved up to Tyneside - the firm my husband works for opened an office up there - and they all say it's fantastic.

Sue said...

Another lovely tour around your part of the world. England is lovely, I would love to head over that way and see it for myself.

Angels have Red Hair said...

A child free weekend away ... perfect :0)
xx

mondoagogo said...

I'd love to get to Newcastle one day, then again I've been saying that for years. It does look especially lovely in the sunshine here! And that chimera swan made me laugh :)

Miss Magpie said...

It's been a few years since I was last in Newcastle we are long overdue another visit. You certainly had gorgeous weather for your trip and what fabulous finds.
That brooch is a bit mental, I'm not surprised you bought it!

Unknown said...

What a lovely trip; I especially loved Nrthumberland Park! :)

Melancholy and Menace said...

What a gorgeous outing! I love all your finds xx

bahnwärterin said...

blue ethno stripey dress is trés chic!!!
and what a great trip! love all the charming old buildings and the gorgeous landscape. fab finds too!
xxxxx

Ivy Black said...

Fab! I do love it when you show us around cities and how lovely is Newcastle. Haven't been for thirty years and I can hardly remember it! A proper city and I do have a soft spot for northern cities and their people!
Fantastic haul at a quid a go. Love the Jean Allen and that green spotty frock, and your blue dress rocks.
Love ya!
xxxxx

Forest City Fashionista said...

The only thing I know about Newcastle is the phrase "carrying coal to Newcastle"! The architecture is really cool. So nice you had a getaway on your own to visit your sister.

The striped dress is rather groovy, and I love the pendant!

Lynn Holland said...

We've never been to Newcastle but its definitely going on the list now, it looks fabulous. The Victorian arcade reminds of the one in Leeds.
I love the frock and didnt you get some bargains.
Off to Google Newcastle now. Thanks Curtise xxx

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Loving your stripey 60's dress! I've never been up to Newcastle which is shamefull, coming from York as I do.

I always look for those steel jewlleries with you in mind but I've never seen one. Anyway, you probably have one of everything by now. My mum had one but I don't know what became of it.

Sounds like a lovely trip. xxxx

Beth Waltz said...

The pattern matching on the Jean Allen dress is amazing. The handmade jacket is a wonderful find as well. The deep blues suit you!

Good heavens, you're right about that pin. Chickens do remind me of certain dino-raptors. Now I'll keep a closer eye on the water birds...

Anonymous said...

It's been that long since you've visited them? Are you finding it easier to get away now that your kids are older? This weekend we are getting away on a road trip without kids for the first time in so long. The oldest one will be checking in on the youngest one. yay!

Unknown said...

Wow your photo's are stunning I have never been to Newcastle but the architectural looks gorgeous. Lovely finds you look gorgeous in your blue dress and I am loving the little pink number. Glad you were able to have a break away on your own bet you came back feeling really refreshed, dee xx

Mother of Reinvention said...

Sounds like you had a brilliant time. it is nice to have a break away on your own sometimes. I think that the North East gets a bit of a bad press when it comes to scenery. It is a beautiful place and the beaches are fantastic. I have yet to get myself off to the Baltic but have heard great things. The view from the top is superb. Your dresses from Tynemouth market are all lovely. I have only been there once and it was a bit warm when the sun was shining. Hope you are feeling brilliant after your break. Xx

thorne garnet said...

you found proof of the long lost dinoswan! Beautiful city, thanks for the tour

Señora Allnut said...

such a great tour through the city!, it looks amazing!
And you look gorgeous in your blues and floral printed dresses, and such fabulous purchases!!, love all of them, but particularly that swan-ostrich brooch!
besos

Melanie said...

A solo trip. How lovely! And the destination grand. I love your interpretation of the swan. Hahaha. The dinoswan, as Thorne Garnet says. I'm glad you had a chance to hang out with sis and her guy and explore the beautiful area together. Plus you found treasure. Sounds like the perfect getaway. I hope you returned home more rested than tired!

freckleface said...

Wow, a solo trip. How amazing. Bet the kids were pea green weren't they? I know they love their trips to their aunty and uncle. Newcastle is looking great and you certainly did some exploring. Fancy finding a made in Sheffield piece. It was fate. I was so impressed that you knew the name of the dinosaur, and then Vix said it's her favourite dinosaur, which suggests you both know more. You pair of brainboxes! Xxxxxx

Connie said...

A solo trip. Wow. I can't even imagine....And such a beautiful destination. It still blows my mind how much your sister looks like Nina. And there you are. Looking gorgeous in your cheery summer frocks. Coming home with a nifty haul as usual. That Dino swan is a find.

Diane said...

That frock and pendant are amazing. I love 'em. You remind me I need to weekend in Newcastle again. Stunning city - I love it xxx

BadPenny said...

How wonderful to spend time with your sister. Great finds too xx

Lisa said...

What a marvellous visit you had with your sister, you packed lots in.
The market looks very interesting, all that bunting and being undercover in such an attractive building makes it even more so.
And those dresses for £1 what a huge bargain, love the green floral one.
You look splendid in that blue one, really suits you, and that dinosaur/swan is hilarious!
BTW, no reply to one of the two complaints I sent to the pub about the dreadful breakfast. Another reason not to go back.
Lisa x

kobieta niewidzialna said...

Absolutely beautiful pfotos and your dress too. :)

Mrs Bertimus said...

Wow!
I really want to go to Newcastle, it looks amazing!
And your outfits......and the swan brooch!
Such a wonderful and inspiring post x

Shawna McComber said...

The first word that comes to mind is WOW and then I just keep saying it over and over. It looks like you had a lovely visit and I am both exhausted and envious just imagining being there myself. It really does look like a lovely city and you have shown it off well with your photos.

I love the sea horse on the door, as I am particularly fond of seahorses for some inexplicable reason. I've never met one.

I also love your swan-diplodocus pin. You look wonderful in the bright blues of your new dress and it looks especially great with the denim jacket.
xoxo

The Style Crone said...

Your photos of your travels are always breathtaking, making England come alive for me. How wonderful that you had a fabulous visit with your sister and her partner, and discovered great "finds" in the process.. You look gorgeous in your 60's dress, which looks great with your denim jacket!

The Vintage Knitter said...

What a lovely place, it looks crammed full of gorgeous buildings, places to see and things to do - stunning weather too! Love your Jean Allen shirtwaister and your stripy dress - and the pendant! The Lord Python' name is so of the time! xx

Jazzy Jack said...

That roof!
You and your sister's smiles so alike.
Goooorgeous architecture and lovely clothes. Wonderful day sans kids. xo Jazzy Jack

Trees said...

What a lovely weekend away, I love all the architecture, so wonderful and that market looks great - I love that bunting! Also what a cool shirt dress! I would totally wear that.

Charis said...

Looks like you had an absolutely fab time Curtise!