Access Information
Entrance Charges
It is free admission for everyone.
Car Parking
There is no on-site parking at the Gallery. There are four spaces for blue badge holders at the nearby Great North Museum which may also be used by visitors to the Hatton Gallery. The nearest public parking is Eldon Square Multi-Storey Car Park on Percy Street, around 400m from the Gallery.
The nearest drop-off point for cars is on Claremont Road, approximately 150m from the Gallery. Cars carrying people with disabilities, taxis and by prior arrangement coaches may drop off visitors close to the Gallery on King’s Road, opposite the Arches.
Bike racks are available on King’s Road
Public Transport Access Routes and Drop Off Points
Haymarket Metro and Haymarket Bus Station are approximately 200m away from the Gallery.
Building Entrance
The Gallery is situated on the ground floor of Newcastle University’s Fine Art Building.
The Hatton Gallery has a new entrance, situated opposite Northern Stage. Access through this entrance is via a lift or stairs.
If you have any special access requirements please let the Gallery know in advance.
The Hatton Gallery is located to the left of the Fine Art Building foyer. The foyer is shared with Newcastle University’s Fine Art Department. Visitors should be aware that other areas of the building (including the art materials shop) are not part of the Gallery.
Getting Around
Once inside the building there is level access to all public areas of the Gallery.
Seating
Lightweight portable stools which can be used throughout the Gallery can be borrowed from reception.
Public Telephone
There is no public telephone on site. The phone at Gallery reception can be used in an emergency or to book taxis for disabled visitors.
Gallery Plans
Standard and large print plans of the Gallery are currently in preparation and will be available shortly.
Assistance Dogs
We welcome assistance dogs and a bowl of water can be provided if requested.
Induction Loops
We have no induction loop at present.
Talking audio Guides and Listening Point
Audio guides/listening points may be available for particular exhibitions.
Displays, Exhibitions and Attractions
Large print labels for all exhibitions are available in the galleries.
Further information about the exhibitions can be found in the Art Lounge.
Films and Interactive Displays
Interpretative films and hands-on activities may be available for particular exhibitions.
Exhibitions, Events and Family Learning Activities
The Hatton shows a changing programme of art exhibitions throughout the year Kurt Schwitters’ Merz Barn Wall is on permanent display. A programme of talks, events and workshops for adults and children accompanies each exhibition. For further information please contact the Gallery.
Guided Tours for Groups
Guided tours for groups are available on request but must be booked at least three weeks in advance. A charge may apply for these. Please contact the Gallery for details.
Accessible Toilets/Baby Changing areas
There is a unisex accessible toilet across the foyer from the Gallery.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is welcomed throughout the gallery.
Please click here to read Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' commitment to women who are breastfeeding.
Shops and Cafés
The Hatton has a shop selling a range of books, cards, gifts and jewellery.
Café facilities are available at the nearby Great North Museum: Hancock.
Pre-visit Information
The pre-visit information is currently under revision. Please contact the Gallery ahead of your visit, by calling (0191) 277 8877 or by emailing info@hattongallery.org.uk
Wheelchair Hire
You can hire a wheelchair free of charge. Please note that the Gallery requires at least one week’s notice.
Fire Alarms
The fire alarms give an audible warning only. there is no visual display. The platform lift cannot be used in the event of a fire. There are evac-chairs to assist wheelchair-users to exit the building. Gallery staff will assist visitors in the event of a fire alarm.
If you are unlikely to be able to hear the alarms or will need assistance to exit the building if the fire alarm sounds, please tell a member of staff on your arrival.
Staff Training
All staff attend a programme of core training, which includes customer care, diversity and disability awareness. They are here to help visitors enjoy the time they spend in our venues.
If there is anything that we can do to make your visit more enjoyable, please contact us, we will be happy to assist you.
Contact Us
Hatton Gallery
Kings Road
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU
Telephone: (0191) 278 8857
Textphone:18001 0191 208 6059
Email: info@hattongallery.org.uk
Access Statement
Although we make every attempt to make the Gallery as accessible as possible, aspects of the building and the nature of the exhibitions we show sometimes make it difficult to make everything fully accessible.
Here are some examples:
i) The Gallery is part of a Grade II listed building. We are unable to make changes to the building without the permission of English Heritage, whose aim is to to try whenever possible to preserve buildings in their original form. This means that access for wheelchair users has been provided in the form of a platform lift, rather than a ramp or a level entrance, as we were not permitted to alter the steps at the front of the building.
ii) The Gallery is in the same building as the University’s Fine Art Department. This means that we share some common spaces, for instance the foyer area, which can sometimes make orientation confusing for visitors. Signage both inside and outside the building is the responsibility of the University Estates department.
Refurbishment is currently planned for the Gallery and some improvements in access and orientation will become possible as part of this wider scheme.
iii) Many of the artworks on display need to be protected from damage caused either accidentally by visitors or by the environments in which they are displayed.
When we work with living artists we also have to take into account how they wish their work to be displayed.
For conservation reasons artworks cannot generally be touched, unless there is specific information indicating otherwise.
While we try to have works on open display wherever possible, sometimes it is necessary to use display cases to protect the work.
Where works are on open display, sometimes we have to use low barriers to prevent close access to the work. If you require further assistance, please ask a member of staff but remember you will not be allowed to touch it.
For many exhibitions, especially those featuring paintings or prints and drawings, light levels need to be low. This is because high levels of lighting can cause them to fade over time. If you need assistance, please ask a member of Gallery staff.
In exhibitions featuring film or video installations, the gallery spaces may be blacked out. There may also be curtains or light traps partitioning the space. If you need assistance navigating an exhibition, again, please ask a member of Gallery staff.
