User:The Biscuit Factory

Since it's opening in 2002, The Biscuit Factory is recognised as one of the U.K.s largest independent art galleries. Comprising of 35, 000 square feet, with two floors of exhibition space and two floors of artist studios.

Quarterly exhibitions showcase a wide and diverse range of both local and international artists in all forms of art & sculpture.

History

1733	This is the first reference to the site, when for the next century or so records show ownership being swapped between various members of the Ridley family. 1857	Indentured to Mr George Tallentire Gibson for £10,800 by Sir M W Ridley Baronet as part of what is called The Red Barns Estate. 1860	Work on the building which exists today is started. 1865	George Gibson dies and the site becomes the property of his widow, Susanna. 1870	This is the first record of The Tyne Biscuit Factory when Susanna Gibson takes out a mortgage of £3000. 1879	Susanna Gibson sells The Biscuit Factory to Mr Thomas Squire and his son for the sum of £4230. 1900	It starts being referred to as “Newcastle upon Tyne Biscuit Manufacturer”. 1910	Ownership of the building passes to Dame Annie Browne. 1918	Dame Annie sells the property to Thomas Usher & Son for £5050. It is known that Usher was a brewer from Edinburgh but there are no indications that this is what he intended to use the building for. 1946	The building which is now referred to as just a warehouse. 1961	Part of the basement of the building is sublet to S&S Furniture 1962	At this point permission is given to add another floor to the property, although It seems as though this was never constructed. 1976	Records show that there is a listed change of use for the building to a depot for the storage and distribution of wallpaper and paint. Marchant Games used it for a while for their boxed games. 1978/9	The building then becomes a retail outlet for carpets and kitchen furniture Use of the building then moves to the storing and selling of small plant vehicles and general warehousing. 1984	This is the first time it is referred to as 16 Stoddart Street – when the current owner purchases it from Grieves Elliot. At which time it was called a furniture factory. 2001	Work begins on renovating the property for its most glamorous incarnation yet, a spectacular artspace.