Geograph - photograph every grid square

This 77 m (253 ft) high 1960s faux-Bauhaus monstrosity dominates the central city skyline - see NZ2464 : Rooftop view from Eldon Square roof car park (photographed by Andrew Curtis). It has recently undergone a £4 million refurbishment and now contains around 130 flats. Unfortunately, it’s only the second (equal) tallest building in Newcastle* - and there is another of similar height quite nearby: NZ2564 : Shieldfield House (photographed by MSX).

Named Bewick Court, and built on a platform over John Dobson Street, the building simultaneously besmirches the lives and work of both the local naturalist and engraver Thomas Bewick Link Link and the noted northeast architect John Dobson, best known for designing Newcastle Central Station and for his work with Richard Grainger developing the centre of Newcastle in a neoclassical style Link . Definitely one of Newcastle's Masterpieces of Modern Architecture Link .

T Dan Smith, the leader of Newcastle City Council in the early 1960s, and the architect John Poulson, ended up in prison after a sensational trial in the early 1970s where it was revealed that corruption on a massive scale had taken place in awarding contracts and "easing" the passage of planning decisions.

For further info and photos, see Link , and NZ2564 : Bewick Court & corner of new City Library from Princess Square and NZ2564 : Bewick Court, John Dobson Street (photographed by Andrew Curtis).

* The tallest building, NZ2665 : Vale House (photographed by Peter McDermott), seen also in NZ2665 : Allotments in Jesmond Vale and tower block, is 80 m (262 ft) high Link .