Beach-side museum highlights the art and history of people living on the Northumberland coast

A new gallery and museum has opened in the Northumberland fishing village of Newbiggin.

Designed by Mosedale Gillatt, the Newbiggin Maritime Centre has a double-height exhibition space featuring the Mary Joicey, a famous local lifeboat.

Located among sand tunes the centre has a café, shop, function rooms and educational facilities.

Tim Mosedale, director at Mosedale Gillatt Architects, said “Great care was taken to ensure the setting of the building did not compromise the Grade I listed St Bartholomews church and English Heritage supported our approach.”

Northumberland Tourism chief executive Giles Ingram said: “The way it brings to life the whole history and culture of Newbiggin, and gives an insight into the lives of people along the coastline, is really first rate.”