New Sculptures Take Shape as Part of the Grainger Market Development
Local artist Jed Buttress has been commissioned to create a series of sculptures based on the many stories of the Grainger Market. These will hang above the alleyway intersections and recently renovated entrances, accompanying the sliding doors, branded tiles and hand painted signs to add colour, curiousity and a nod to the 189-year-old history of the beating heart of Newcastle.
Funded by Creative Central NCL – an initiative funded by the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council to support culture and creativity in the city - the commission forms part of the wider redevelopment of the Grainger Market led by Newcastle City Council. The improvements are supported by funding from the UK Government and aim to enhance the Grade I listed building while securing its future as a vibrant destination for independent traders, visitors and cultural activity. The works include arcade enhancements, upgraded facilities, refreshed entrances and new tiling – some of which was completed last month.
The artwork will appear as five large, suspended sculptures, each inspired by everyday objects under the market’s roof, from vessels to fountains, to fruit. Positioned high in the alleyways, they’re designed to encourage visitors to look up and notice the building in a new way.
As part of the process, traders were invited to contribute objects from their businesses. Jed has been casting these items to feature within the sculptures - creating a piece of artwork shaped by the people who make the market what it is.
Alongside the larger pieces, visitors will also be able to spot a trail of small monkey sculptures hidden throughout the market – a playful nod to a story from 1903 when a group of escaped monkeys were said to have run across the rooftops and into the market.
Jed has been developing the sculptures using materials and textures inspired by the architecture and industrial heritage of the North East – including copper tones, riveted metal and details that echo the region’s historic structures.
Speaking about the commission, artist Jed Buttress, said: “It’s been a real privilege to work on something for such an important place in the city. The Grainger Market is so full of history, but what really makes it special is the people who are here every day.
“Spending time in the market, talking to traders and getting to know the space has been a huge part of the process. Those conversations have shaped how the sculptures have developed and helped me think about how the pieces will sit within the life of the market.
“For me, it’s about creating something that feels like it belongs here – something that visitors might notice straight away, but also something traders see every day and feel proud to have above their businesses.”
Open since 1835, the Grade I listed building has been at the heart of city life for nearly two centuries and is home to more than 100 independent traders, from food and drink to crafts, clothing and specialist stalls.
Vikki Leaney, Project Lead for Creative Central NCL at Newcastle City Council, said: “We’re proud to have funded this commission for Grainger Market and supported Jed to create work for somewhere as loved and as historic as the market. It’s a place that already means so much to so many of us, and it’s exciting to see a local artist add something new to the story.
“Commissions like this give artists the chance to develop their practice, make work that’s visible in the city and be part of projects that become woven into everyday public life. Newcastle has a strong creative community, and we want to keep creating opportunities for artists to make ambitious work here and build their careers in the city.”
