Built on the site of the infilled Lort Burn, which gives Grey Street its distinctive curved
layout, this street was the major part of Richard Grainger’s redevelopment of central
Newcastle. Constructed between 1834 and 1840 the neo-classical ashlar masonry faced
buildings were designed by a number of Architects including John Wardle and George
Walker, with John Dobson designing the buildings on the East side of Grey Street
between Shakespeare Street and Mosley Street. Grey Street was considered by the
celebrated Architectural critic, Nicholas Pevsner, to be “one of the finest streets in the
country”

The Theatre Royal with its prominent projecting neo-classical portico, was designed by
John and Benjamin Green and opened in 1837. The six substantial Corinthian columns
that support the triangular pediment are unique to the Grey Street frontage and create a
distinctive focal point in the streetscape only surpassed by the elegant Grey’s Monument.

 

Painting size 520mm x 335mm, 2010.