Where Dinosaurs Meet Design: The Great North Museum

Last week I paid a visit to the former Hancock Museum in Newcastle. The last time I was there my age was still in single figures and most of the interesting stuff was locked away in glass cabinets. I was amazed to see that the museum has been totally revamped and given a sleek contemporary new look. Gone are the pokey rooms I remembered and in their place are huge double height galleries, mezzanines and glass walkways. The old-fashioned display cases have been replaced by life-size model animals, dinosaur fossils, ancient Roman relics and enough interactive exhibits to keep even the most easily distracted kid 20-something entertained. Fortunately the museum allows photography throughout so I was able to take some pictures to share with you, although these by no means capture just how amazing it actually is. If you’re in the area (or even if you’re not!) I highly recommend a visit. Admission is free although there is a charge to visit the planetarium. You can find more information about the museum on the website www.twmuseums.org.uk

 

Hope you like my photo collage, are there any interesting museums or galleries near you?

Affordable Art: Wall Canvases

Next 'Paris' Photo Canvas

There’s no better way to introduce personality into your interior spaces than by adding some amazing art. While original pieces can be incredibly expensive running into hundreds or even thousands of pounds, the growing popularity of wall canvases mean great artwork is now accessible to everyone. A modern alternative to traditional framed pictures, wall canvases usually feature a print of an original painting, photograph or abstract design printed onto canvas and stretched over a lightweight wooden framework- not a gilt frame in sight. I love how canvases can completely transform a room, they can complement and harmonise with your décor or stand out and make a bold statement, and best of all they can be bought from as little as £8 on the highstreet. Next, Matalan and TK Maxx all do a great selection of reasonably priced canvases so you can afford to experiment.

I picked up the gorgeous ‘Paris’ modified photo canvas above at a Next Clearance outlet (you can find a complete list of all the Clearance outlets in the UK here) a few days ago for the bargain price of £10. It adds a pop of colour to a plain wall and the golden beige tones –amazingly for an impulse purchase!- tie in perfectly with the rest of the décor. By hanging it directly above the bed it draws attention to it and creates a real focal point in the room. I’ve chosen some of my favourite canvases available in stores now below:

Next 'Stolen Kiss' Canvas £60

I absolutely adore this hand finished canvas from Next. On its own or in a horizontal grouping of three or four similar prints, this would lend a grown up sophistication to any room. It looks great against a plain oatmeal coloured background. Buy it here.

 

Matalan 'London Bus' Canvas £8

This grey scale/colour photo of a London bus has a real 1960s/70s vibe to it that is really fun, Hang it by itself or with other retro prints on a wall in a bold clashing colour for an instant talking point. Buy it here for only £8.

Next 'Aloe Vera' Glitter Printed Canvas £50

I love this stunning Aloe vera print from Next. It would make an elegant focal point in a bedroom. Hanging it on a wall painted in a soft grey from the same colour pallet looks really expensive and chic. Available here.

Matalan 'Ocean Horizon' Canvas £8

It's relaxing just looking at this gorgeous Ocean Horizon seascape! It makes me think of New England beach huts and days by the seaside. It would tie in perfectly with a nautical style scheme and soft blue or white walls. Click here to buy.

Matalan 'Vintage Flower' Canvases £8 each

This Vintage Flower print from Matalan looks so girly and feminine. It would be perfect in a bedroom or a relaxing lounge against a pretty pastel backdrop like this soft lilac which echoes the deeper purple in the photo. The symmetrical pairing gives it a really neat, prim feel. Available here. 

Thanks for reading, hope I've inspired you to try out some wall art!