The Common Room

Robert Stephenson and Co, Locomotive Builders, Newcastle, 1823 to 1902 (talk)
2023-01-28 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
About Robert Stephenson and Co., Locomotive Builders, Newcastle, 1823 to 1902 with T H Fenwick MSc, CEng, FICE, Vice-chair, The Robert Stephenson Trust
As part of the celebration for the Bicentenary of the Robert Stephenson and Co., T H Fenwick will lead a presentation which tells how the firm Robert Stephenson & Co. came to be. It outlines the company’s role in establishing the principles of locomotive design that endured for more than a century, their successes and challenges and the diversity of products manufactured at the Forth Banks works, Newcastle, from its founding in 1823 until closure in 1902, when the business moved to a new factory at Darlington.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 28th January
Arrival from 10:30AM
Talk and Q&A: 11:00AM to 12noon
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

Robert Stephenson and Co. Bicentenary - Exhibition
2023-02-01 10:00 - 2023-03-25 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Robert Stephenson Trust and The Common Room are presenting the Bicentenary Exhibition of Robert Stephenson and Co.
Date and Timings
Date: From Monday 30th January to Saturday 25th March
Opening time: from 10:00AM to 4:00PM (closed on Sundays)
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of “Robert Stephenson & Co” until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Map Room (1st Floor), The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

I Know A Garden: Warm Digits • Large Plants • L.T. Leif • and more...
2023-02-04 17:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
“Our life is to facilitate wilderness and joy…”
Join Wandering Oak to celebrate their 9th anniversary on February 4th here at The Common Room. The evening is packed with specially curated live performances across two spectacular spaces in our beautiful heritage building.

Show info

I Know A Garden: Wandering Oak’s 9th birthday celebration

Warm Digits, Large Plants and moreWood Hall and Lecture TheatreAges 18+ only, from 5:30pm

Luminaries include:
• Warm Digits •
The thunderous motorik space-disco duo with a pounding post-punk pulse.
FFO Kraftwerk / Jane Weaver / TVAM
http://warmdigits.co.uk/

• Large Plants •
The post-apocalyptic downer-fuzz-rock side project of Jack Sharp, former singer guitarist from psych-folk luminaries Wolf People.
FFO Black Mountain / the Soundcarriers / Madonna’s La Isla Bonita
https://largeplantsband.bandcamp.com/
• L.T. Leif •
Cosmic-country witch-choir sung for the sun! In Glasgow from Calgary by way of Helsinki. Features many tender buds.
FFO Tune-yards / Rozi Plain / Naima Bock
https://ltleif.com/
• Crimewave •
Crimewave alchemizes late 80s / early 90s dreamgaze with contemporary electronic music, in a surreal, futuristic take on an old genre; subjecting the Jesus and Mary Chain’s wall of sound approach to be dissected and re-imagined however technology allows.
FFO Hudson Mohawke / Slowdive
https://soundcloud.com/crimewavecrimewave
• Parastatic •
With a brand new album ready to be released in 2023, Parastatic are back with a bang; this time leaning more into the influence of post-rock heroes like Mogwai while never leaving far behind their own kraut & shoegaze heritage.
FFO Mogwai / Explosions in the sky / Neu! / Spiritualized
https://parastatic.bandcamp.com/

• Midnight Rodeo •
Woozy surf pop six-piece Midnight Rodeo ride out on a slick west coast modality, imbued with glistening dream pop synth lines that innovate on tried and tested psychedelic formulae.
FFO Allah La’s / Juniore / Nice Biscuit
https://midnightrodeo.bandcamp.com/

• Rüne •
Rüne is a long-standing collaboration between John Nellist (Behold A Pale Horse, Balao) and Trev Gibb (King Of The Sea, Deerhart), a project first embarked upon in 2014 and now ready to return to the limelight.
• Me Lost Me •
Jayne Dent’s verdant electronic folk creation, as Me Lost Me she delights in experimenting with songwriting and storytelling, creating a beguiling mix of soaring vocals and atmospheric electronics that playfully push the boundaries of genre.
FFO Lamb / Ceitidh Mac
https://www.melostme.com/

The Art of Robert Stephenson – Images of the man, his life and works (Talk)
2023-02-09 13:30 - 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
About ‘The Art of Robert Stephenson – Images of the man, his life and works’, by J Michael Taylor MBE, Robert Stephenson Trust Trustee.
The life and achievements of the nineteenth century’s finest engineer is presented with lavish use of illustrations of historic documents, paintings, video and sound.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Thursday 9th February
Arrival from 1:30pm, starting 2pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

Candlelight Concerts: Vivaldi's Four Seasons
2023-02-11 18:00 - 19:05, 2023-02-11 20:30 - 21:35 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle upon Tyne. Discover the music of Vivaldi in the beautiful Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Tengger
2023-02-17 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Tengger is a travelling musical family, made up of Pan-Asian couple, Itta (from South Korea) and Marqido (from Japan), who create their brand of psychedelic New-Age drone magic through the use of Voice, Indian harmonium, and toy instruments (played by Itta) and synths & electronics (played by Marqido). The duo originally started out with the moniker “10” but since the birth of their son Raai (who joins them on tour and playing Voice, Synth, Toy Instrument, Dance performance on stage) in 2012, have called themselves Tengger (meaning ‘unlimited expanse of sky’ in Mongolian) to mark the expansion of the family. It also means ‘huge sea’ in Hungarian.Travel, as spiritual experience in real environments, and the sound between the space and the audience have been central themes of their works. The family’s yearly pilgrimages inform every aspect of their art.

FFO: Harmonia / Belbury Poly / Laraaji

For more gigs by Wandering Oak – https://linktr.ee/wanderingoakuk

Candlelight Concert: Hans Zimmer's Best Works
2023-02-22 18:00 - 19:05, 2023-02-22 20:30 - 21:35, 2023-03-03 18:00 - 19:05, 2023-03-03 20:30 - 21:35 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle upon Tyne. Discover the music of Hans Zimmer in the beautiful Wood Hall, under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Robert Stephenson Walking Tour
2023-02-23 11:30 - 13:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
An outdoor walking tour to celebrate the life and achievements of Robert Stephenson.
The Common Room, in conjunction with Newcastle City Guides, brings a special outdoor tour for a limited time only. We are celebrating the life and achievements of Robert Stephenson with a guided tour around key areas in Newcastle, ending at The Common Room where you can see the Robert Stephenson and Co. Bicentenary Exhibition in our world class heritage building.

Stephenson Survivors Worldwide (Talk)
2023-02-23 14:00 - 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
‘Stephenson Survivors Worldwide’, by Anthony Coulls, Senior Curator of Rail Transport & Technology, National Railway Museum
A major part of Robert Stephenson & Co. and latterly Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn’s production was locomotives for export. Anthony’s talk will look at some of the surprising survivors around the globe.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Thursday 23rd February, starting 2pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

ALL ABOARD! Family Fun Days (23rd - 25th February)
2023-02-25 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
ALL ABOARD!
Join us for a fantastic experience for families with different activities like making a train whistle, assembling a train with LEGO or discovering all the challenges of train operation using a Scaletrix. In addition, you can visit the Exhibition to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Robert Stephenson and Co. factory, the first company in the world dedicated to making railway engines and talk with some members of the Robert Stephenson Trust.

*Age recommended 5+. Children under 12 must be supervised.

The Common Room & The Lit & Phil - Joint Tour
2023-02-25 10:30 - 11:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join our guides as they take you on a joint tour of The Common Room and The Lit & Phil.
A joint tour of The Common Room and The Lit & Phil, led by Newcastle City Guides volunteers.
Join us on a guided tour of these two beautiful historic neighbours situated in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Robert Stephenson Walking Tour
2023-03-04 10:30 - 12:00
An outdoor walking tour to celebrate the life and achievements of Robert Stephenson.
The Common Room, in conjunction with Newcastle City Guides, brings a special outdoor tour for a limited time only. We are celebrating the life and achievements of Robert Stephenson with a guided tour around key areas in Newcastle, ending at The Common Room where you can see the Robert Stephenson Trust Bicentenary Exhibition in our world class heritage building.

The Stanhope & Tyne Railroad Company (Talk)
2023-03-04 13:00 - 14:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
About ‘The Stanhope & Tyne Railroad Company’, by Rob Langham, author
Opening in 1834, the Stanhope & Tyne Railroad ran over some of Durham’s wildest landscape and used a mixture of gravity, stationary engines with wire ropes, horses and steam locomotives to move wagons along its length. This illustrated talk describes the railway and its history, including the financial downfall which nearly bankrupted Robert Stephenson.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 4th March, starting 1pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

Robert Stephenson, Engineer. From Willington Quay to Westminster Abbey
2023-03-04 14:30 - 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
UPDATE: due to unforeseen circumstances the talk topic has been changed from the Thomas Elliot Railway Engineer to Robert Stephenson, Engineer. From Willington Quay to Westminster Abbey by Hugh Fenwick.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 4th March, starting 2:30pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

Wine Tasting Evening in 5|Quarter
2023-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us on March 9th for an evening of wine tasting in our 5|Quarter bar.
Includes: 5 different wines (3 reds, 1 white, 1 rose) of 75ml glasses and light snacks – only £18 per person.
Delicious antipasti boards for 2 available to add on if you wish – £18
Includes: a variety of cheeses, cured meats, crackers and fruit
Event runs from 6pm-7:30pm.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Book your tickets now.

The Common Room & The Lit & Phil – Joint Tour
2023-03-11 10:30 - 11:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join our guides as they take you on a joint tour of The Common Room and The Lit & Phil.
A joint tour of The Common Room and The Lit & Phil.
Join us on a guided tour of these two beautiful historic neighbours situated in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

An evening with Faber: Eliza Clark and Dizz Tate
2023-03-15 19:30 - 20:45 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
New writing North have teamed up with their friends at Faber to host a literary evening with two of Faber’s most exciting new novelists. Join us here at The Common Room to listen to Eliza Clark and Dizz Tate in conversation, as well as a drinks reception and book-signing. Guests will also receive an exclusive New Writing North X Faber book-bag containing the new hardback of Brutes by Dizz Tate, a voucher to pre-order Penance by Eliza Clark, and more…
Ticket includes a glass of wine/soft drink and goodie-bag.
Head over to New Writing North to get your tickets and find out more!

Candlelight concerts: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
2023-03-16 18:00 - 19:05, 2023-03-16 20:30 - 21:35, 2023-03-24 20:30 - 21:35 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Discover the music of Taylor Swift in the beautiful Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Thomas Elliott Harrison – Railway Engineer (Talk)
2023-03-22 11:30 - 13:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
RESCHEDULED from 4th March
Thomas Elliott Harrison – Railway Engineer
by John Addyman
President of the North Eastern Railway Association
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Wednesday 22nd March at 11:30am
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
About The Common Room
The Common Room is a charity formed in 2017 to restore the Grade II* listed Neville Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne (home to The Mining Institute since 1872), and its significant archive and collections documenting centuries of engineering, mining, and wider scientific innovation.
Thanks to National Lottery players, an £8.9m grant has enabled us to spend over £7 million restoring the building, and around £2m to support our running costs, preserve our collections, and to drive our mission: to use our unique heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.
Find out more at thecommonroom.org.uk

Progress in Design and Manufacture: The Steam Locomotive 1825-1830 (talk)
2023-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
About ‘Progress in Design and Manufacture: The Steam Locomotive 1825-1830’, Dr Michael R Bailey MBE, railway historian and archaeologist.
Recent archaeological and archival research into some of the earliest locomotive products of the Stephenson factory has revealed further understanding of the circumstances under which designs evolved resulting in such rapid progress being made in the critical years before and after the opening of the Stockton & Darlington and the Liverpool & Manchester Railways. Improved understanding of material technology and manufacturing processes improved reliability to allow the locomotive form to progress, and, in turn, the growth of railway networks to proceed.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Wednesday 22nd March, starting 2pm
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

Do It The Safety Way!
2023-03-22 16:30 - 17:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for National Lottery Open Week for ‘Do It The Safety Way!’, our Live Science and History Show.
With live demonstrations, and real artefacts from our archives, discover the deadly dangers of the pit, and the inventions which helped keep miners safe! ⛏️

Candlelight concerts: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
2023-03-24 18:00 - 19:05 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Discover the music of Taylor Swift in the beautiful Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Head over to the Fever website to book your tickets now.

All Aboard - Family fun day
2023-04-04 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a fantastic experience for families with different activities like making a train whistle, assembling a train with LEGO or discovering all the challenges of train operation.
Booking information
Each child attending must have their own ticket. Parents may attend without a ticket but register their name on arrival. Reserving tickets will guarantee you a space for the workshop but there might be more space during the day.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Times:
10am- 12pm
1pm – 3pm

All Aboard – Family Fun Day
2023-04-05 10:00 - 15:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a fantastic experience for families with different activities like making a train whistle, assembling a train with LEGO or discovering all the challenges of train operation using a Scalextric.
Booking information
Each child attending must have their own ticket. Parents may attend without a ticket but register their name on arrival. Reserving tickets will guarantee you a space for the workshop but there might be more space during the day.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Times:
10am- 12pm
1pm – 3pm
