Slightly over 130 years since the last restoration, the refurbishment of the Black Gate for its latest role is complete.

In the 1880s, the Society of Antiquaries opened the building for the first time as a museum, after a successful campaign to save it from demolition. Now, “in contrast to its name,” The Journal writes, “the comprehensive makeover has left the Black Gate gleaming in as much as any medieval building can gleam”.

While exhibition designers Studio MB set about creating interpretation for a new exhibition space on the building’s third floor, a learning suite is established for schools and community groups. Called the Harbottle Suite, it is named in honour of Barbara Harbottle, who died in 2012 and as the first county archaeologist for Tyne and Wear, was responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the Black Gate and the Keep.

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