If you grew up in the seventies and eighties, you’ll most definitely have heard of some of Cosgrove Hall Films most famous creations, if not the studio itself. Do Danger Mouse and Count Duckula ring a bell? What about The Wind in the Willows? Founded in 1976, Cosgrove Hall Films was the brainchild of Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall. Having first met whilst studying at the Manchester Regional College of Art & Design (now known as Manchester Metropolitan University), the pair started their first independent company together in 1971, Stop Frame Animations, which specialised in short films, commercials, and series including Noddy (1974). The company also created opening sequences for a number of children’s TV shows including the titles for the hit series Rainbow in 1972. Craving more creative freedom, Cosgrove and Hall closed Stop Frame in 1975 and established Cosgrove Hall Films in January 1976. Making their home in a converted tobacco and confectionery warehouse on Albany Road in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, the business would go on to become, at the time, one of Europe’s largest animation studios.

Running for 161 episodes, Danger Mouse, voiced by David Jason, was Cosgrove Hall’s biggest success, entertaining over 24 million viewers. The series followed the ‘World’s Greatest Secret Agent’ as he, and his rather useless sidekick Penfold, took on a variety of baddies including evil Baron Silas Greenback. Another regular character to appear in Danger Mouse was Count Duckula, a vegetarian vampire who aspired to become rich and famous, who was given his own spin-off series which also grew to become one of the studios most successful programmes airing in the United States on Nickelodeon through the late eighties.

In 1989, the studio produced its first feature length film, an animation of Roald Dahl’s classic book The BFG. The film included an ‘Easter Egg’, with a poster for their hit show Danger Mouse appearing in the background on a young boys bedroom wall. The studio also collaborated with best-selling author Terry Pratchett, producing two series for Channel 4 based on two of Pratchett’s Discworld novels, Wyrd Sisters, and Soul Music (1997). Continuing their work in children’s television, Cosgrove Hall produced series such as Bill and Ben, Andy Pandy, and in the mid 00’s developed a new version of Postman Pat. Cosgrove Hall Films closed in 2009 as a result of ITV Granada deciding the company was no longer financially viable. The original home of Cosgrove Hall, on Albany Road, is now a block of residential flats named Cosgrove Hall Court and features a plaque in tribute to the studios most well known productions including Danger Mouse, The Pied Piper of Hamlin, and The BFG. Meha's Manchester's Hidden Stories tribute to Cosgrove Hall Films takes on a Pop Art style, full of vibrant colour and bold shapes, to represent the fun and lively nature of kids TV. ______________________________________________________________________________ To stay up to date with the progress of the #MCRHiddenStories mural, be sure to follow Meha on Instagram here.

In this blog we delve into the history and stories behind some of Manchester’s often forgotten buildings which Meha has depicted in the Manchester’s Hidden Stories mural.

This & That Cafe

Tucked away on Soap Street, This & That is Manchester’s no-frills, canteen style, Indian curry house. If you’ve never been before it may take you a minute to find it but once there, don’t be fooled by the modest exterior as inside you’ll find authentic, home-made curries and sundries bursting with flavour. Established in 1984, This & That is a family run business famous for its ‘Rice and Three’ combos where for a set price you take your pick of three curries from those on offer. Dishes change daily but you can expect to see a mix of meat, veggie, and vegan offerings with favourites such as Lamb Keema, Chicken Masala, and Daal on the menu. This & That is extremely popular so be prepared to wait a little, however with delicious Indian curries from as little as £4.50, it’s definitely worth the wait.

Vimto

First concocted in 1908 by John Noel Nichols in a tiny terrace house on Granby Row in Manchester city centre, Vimto, or Vimtonic as it was called then, started out life as as a herbal tonic designed to give the drinker ‘Vim & Vigour’. In fact, in 1912, Vimto was actually trademarked as a medicine! Enjoyed both hot and cold, the unique Vimto flavour is a special combination of fruits (grape, blackcurrant and raspberry), spices, and herbs which remain a secret to this day. As Vimto grew in popularity, Nichols began exporting the drink around the world, in particular to the Middle East where it was a huge hit in countries such as India and Burma (now Myanmar). Interestingly, to this day, Vimto cordial sent to the Middle East is double the strength of the UK version, to cut down on transport costs and suit the local palate more. Vimto is now sold in more than 85 countries and the distinct flavour can be found in all manner of treats, from ice lollies, to fruity snacks - and all from humble beginnings in Manchester!

The LGBT+ Centre

The LGBT+ Centre found at 49-51 Sidney Street was Europe’s first entirely publicly funded, purpose built centre for the gay community, and first opened in 1988. It’s important to note the significance of the timing, Section 28 had just become law, and so the decision by Manchester Council to fund a building built solely for the gay community was a huge step. Over the years the centre has faced numerous threats of closure due to funding cuts but has overcome these with the help of long-term staff and dedicated volunteers who recognise the need for a space committed to supporting the LGBT+ community. The centre is currently home to the Sidney Street Community Cafe, a number of social and support groups, and the Jaye Bloomfield resource library, as well as hosting many other events throughout the year. As of July 2019, the centre is undergoing a huge £2.25million transformation which will see the original building demolished and replaced with a new three-storey centre, ensuring its place as a safe place for LGBTQ+ people for years to come.

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Situated in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the Craft and Design Centre is housed in a beautiful Victorian building which was once the city’s Smithfield Fish Market. Following the development of the Arndale Shopping Centre, in 1978, it was decided that the fish market would become a craft village, housing craft-makers from potters and jewellers, to furniture makers, weavers, and more. Manchester Craft Village first opened in 1982 as an artists’ cooperative before re-branding as Manchester Craft and Design Centre, and becoming a not-for-profit limited company, in 2003. These days you’ll find the centre a hub of creative activity with two floors of contemporary craft studios, many incorporating small shops, where artists both work and sell their wares. On the ground floor you can even find two of the original fishmongers’ booths, now home to the quaint Oak St. Cafe Bar, where you can enjoy fresh produce from local growers, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and wheat free options. Open 6 days a week, the centre regularly hosts exhibitions, public workshops, and other events. If you’re after beautiful gifts to remember Manchester by or looking to explore the cities bustling creative side, MCDC should definitely be your first port of call!

Corbières Wine Cavern

One of Manchester’s best kept secrets, Corbières is a quaint basement wine bar hidden-away just off St Ann’s Square on Half Moon Street. Named after a wine producing area of the French Pyrenees, the bar first opened as a Bistro but is now known more for its local Salford ales and collection of French wines. Long before the Hacienda came to be associated with the Manchester music scene, Corbières was a hot spot for local musicians including the band who would become Inspiral Carpets. It’s even rumoured that the Happy Monday’s first met Bez here! The musical history of the cavern remains to this day with one of Manchester’s greatest retro jukeboxes taking pride of place down the winding staircase. Meha’s depiction of the cavern focuses on the exterior, highlighting the recognisable mosaic tiling which adorns the entry way, luring you in to the subterranean cavern below. ______________________________________________________________________________ To stay up to date with the progress of the #MCRHiddenStories mural, be sure to follow Meha on Instagram here.

The Manchester's Hidden Stories series explores the forgotten history and icons of the city of Manchester. The project was sponsored by NOMA Manchester and involved Meha becoming the artist in residency at the Old Bank Residency throughout July 2019, working on her largest mural yet. The first story Meha discovered was that of Elizabeth Raffald (below), who is considered one of Manchester's first female entrepreneurs. Arriving in Manchester in 1763, Elizabeth Raffald hit the ground running, and launched her first venture, a catering business, from her home. Not long after, in 1764, she opened a 'confectionary' store, what would now be considered a deli, on Fennel Street in the city, selling everything from sweets, soups, and meats, to table centrepieces. Whilst at Fennel Street, Elizabeth also started a staff employment service and a cookery school for young women. Moving her confectionary store to the Market Place, she began advertising the business in the local newspaper, listing, amongst other items, “Plumb cakes for weddings." This is considered one of the first references to what has now become the modern day Wedding cake. In 1769, Elizabeth published her first must-have cookbook, 'The Experienced English Housekeeper', which contained over 800 (!!) original recipes, including the first recipes for Piccalilli, crumpets, and an early version of the Eccles Cake. The book was so successful it was reprinted 13 times and even became a favourite of Queen Victoria who is said to have copied recipes from the book into her personal diary. Between 1769 and 1772 Elizabeth's business streak continued with her running the Bull’s Head Inn in the market place, starting a carriage rental business, establishing a post office, and helping to create Salfords first newspaper, Prescott’s Journal. In 1772, Elizabeth created the first ever Manchester and Salford trade directory, essentially a yellow pages of its day. The directory was a great success and was updated in 1773 from 60 to 78 pages. Finally, in another publishing venture, Raffald co-wrote a midwifery manual with Manchester surgeon, Charles White. Unfortunately the manuscript was never printed in her name, seemingly sold off by her alcoholic husband following her death. What makes Elizabeth's story all the more incredible is that whilst launching and running her businesses she also gave birth to at least 9 children! Elizabeth died in April of 1781 and is buried at St Mary's church, Stockport We're sure you'll agree that Elizabeth's story and entrepreneurial spirit is one which should be remembered and celebrated for years to come which is why it's been fantastic to be able to include her in the Manchester Hidden Stories mural. ______________________________________________________________________________ To stay up to date with the progress of the #MCRHiddenStories mural, be sure to follow Meha on Instagram here.

With Father's Day fast approaching on Sunday (June 16th), we thought we'd put together a collection of Whiskey recipes that you can pair with our Skyline Tumblers to guarantee you'll be in Dad's good books!

1) Sweet Manhattan

First up we have the Sweet Manhattan, a classic cocktail that combines bourbon whiskey with botanical vermouth for a moreish cocktail with sweet cherry undertones. This is a great choice if your Dad is a fan of fruity drinks. Top Tip: Try swapping out the Angostura Bitters for Cherry or Orange for a subtle change in flavour. For the full recipe, head to BBC Good Food.

2) John Collins

Add a little soda and ice to bourbon and lemon juice and you've got yourself a John Collins. This refreshingly simple cocktail gets its name from the 'Collins' glass it is served in, with 'John' being the name given to drinks which use Whiskey as their base. If you're not too sure what sort of drinks your Dad prefers, you can't go wrong with a John Collins! Head to Spruce Eats for a full John Collins recipe.

3) Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is an iconic whiskey cocktail created by mixing a long shot of premium bourbon with mint, sugar, and crushed ice. The traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, approximately 80,000 (!!) Mint Julep's are drunk each year at the annual horse racing event in Louisville, Kentucky. Top Tip: Once you've mixed your drink, keep the shaker in the fridge for a while before adding the ice to help the mint flavours infuse into the bourbon. To find out how to make the perfect Mint Julep, visit Difford's Guide here.

4) Blood & Sand

If your Dad's more of a scotch drinker then the Blood & Sand should be your go-to cocktail. Named after the bullfighter movie of the same name, the Blood & Sand is made up of smooth scotch whiskey, paired with cherry liqueur, which represents the blood, and orange juice, which represents the sand. Top Tip: For a perfect Blood & Sand, use freshly squeezed orange juice and a smooth scotch. For a full Blood & Sand recipe, check out Liqour.com here.

5) Old Fashioned

We couldn't put together a Whiskey cocktails list without including the Old Fashioned! If you're new to mixing drinks, this aromatic classic is the perfect place to start as it only uses four ingredients; whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. A favourite of Mad Men's Don Draper, this spicy and sweet beverage is effortlessly cool and never goes out of style. Mix up an Old Fashioned for Father's Day with this recipe from Esquire. ______________________________________________________________________________ So, grab yourself a bottle of Whiskey, choose your Dad's favourite city from our Skyline Tumblers, pick a recipe from above and you've got Father's Day nailed. Don't forget, our last order date for guaranteed Father's Day delivery is Wednesday 12th June!

As many of you will have already seen, April saw Meha’s first (and hopefully not last!) TV appearance, on the new BBC ONE show, Home Is Where the Art Is. Presented by TV favourite Nick Knowles, the programme sees three artists* tasked with creating a personalised commission for a mystery buyer. The only clues the artists are given are gained by snooping around the buyers home, prior to the pitch, in search of hints to their style, taste, and preferences. Meha’s episode saw her take on a brief from Ben and Marc, a Manchester couple who wanted a piece designed to fit in their new converted Cotton Mill apartment, which captured their love of Manchester and its heritage. To find out who won the commission you’ll have to watch the episode, which is available on the BBC iPlayer here until the 24^th May 2019, but first, read on for more about the two artists who competed with Meha, screen printer Robin Ross, and Papier-Mâché artist, Amanda Godden. *For a full rundown of all of the artists who appeared in this series please see the list at the bottom of this blog.

Robin Ross - Screen Printer

The first artist featured alongside Meha was screen printer Robin Ross, from Blackpool. Robin specialises in Limited Edition hand pulled screen prints and is influenced by his passion for music. He first started designing whilst arranging gigs across Lancashire and decided to print the posters for the events himself. Robin has had solo exhibitions in New York, worked as an Artist in Residence in Lisbon, and currently has pieces in galleries across the US and UK. His style of screen printing is influenced by pop art greats such as Andy Warhol, Rauschenberg, and Jasper Johns. To see more of Robin’s work, head to his website at Rock Factory Print Studio and if you’d like to learn to screen print, Robin also offers two-day courses where you can learn the whole process for yourself.

Amanda Godden - Papier-Mâché Artist

The second artist featured was Papier-Mâché Artist Amanda Godden who lives and works in the Lake District. Amanda is known for her quirky Papier-Mâché sculptures which are designed around upcycled items found at local charity shops and car boot sales. Inspired by circuses, folklore, and fairytales, Amanda loves Papier-Mâché as the things you can create with it are limitless and the low-cost materials mean the craft is open to all. Her previous designs have included a carousel horse lamp, a mirror surrounded by flowers and Blue Tits, and a Hare lamp, created in the image of Horatio Nelson. Alongside her Papier-Mâché work, Amanda also draws and paints often taking inspiration from the local landscape as well as also taking commissions. For more of Amanda's work, visit her Facebook page here.

Meha Hindocha - Illustrator

Meha is very much a researcher and loves to get into the details of a piece, exploring the musical, sporting, cultural, and architectural icons of a city. Her style is based around intricate line work paired with bold coloured backgrounds, designed to capture the story of a city or place. For commissioned pieces, Meha really gets to know the buyer and their preferences, requesting images personal to them, their favourite colours, special locations, and any quirky, one-of-a-kind, references they'd like to see in their artwork. Depending on the scale of the piece, commissions can take from just a few weeks up to 6 months to create. Commissioned artwork makes for a fantastic talking point in your home or as a personalised gift for weddings, Birthday's, and Anniversaries. If you’d love a piece of original art by Meha to hang in your home, get in touch with us today on orders@mehaart.com

Home Is Where the Art Is - Artist Credits

Episode 1 Sally Toms - Ceramicist - https://sallytoms.com/ Andy Burgess - Wood Sculptor - http://andy-burgess.com/ Kate O'Brien - Mixed Media Painter - https://kate-obrien-art.myshopify.com/ Episode 2 Teresa Wells - Figurative Sculptor - https://www.teresawells.co.uk/ Roger Davies - Painter & Illustrator - https://rogerdaviesmusic.com/artwork/ Swarez - Abstract Artist - https://www.swarez.co.uk/ Episode 3 Patricia Lee - Glass Artist - https://allthatglass.co.uk/ Nick Coley - Glass & Metal Art - https://www.nickcoleyglassandmetalart.com/ Jo Allsopp - Watercolour Artist - http://www.sablestudiogallery.co.uk/ Episode 4 Charlotte Ashley - Textile Artist - https://www.charlotteashleyart.co.uk/ Thuline de Cock - Painter - http://www.thuline.com/ Andy Levy - Wood Sculptor - https://www.facebook.com/andylevywoodsculptor/ Episode 5 Claire Bigger - Steel Sculptor - https://www.clarebigger.com/ Karen McSkimming - Pet Portrait Artist - http://www.artfulregards.co.uk/ Simon O'Rourke - Wood Sculptor - https://www.treecarving.co.uk/ Episode 6 Christopher Townsend - Sculptor - https://www.christophertownsend.co.uk/ Sarah Cross - Textile Artist - https://sarahcrossart.weebly.com/ Adelle Gough - Painter - https://www.greenbowtieworks.com/ Episode 7 Celia Burbush - Fine Artist - http://www.celiaburbush.com/ Luciana Hermida - Mixed Media Artist & Graphic Designer - https://www.lucianahermida.co.uk/ Will Rea - Illustrator - http://willustration.co.uk/ Episode 8 Amy Coney - Oil Painter - http://www.amyconey.com/ David O'Brien - Mosaic Maker - https://twitter.com/BigSmallMosaics Fanny Gough - Artist/Designer/Illustrator - https://www.fannygogh.co.uk Episode 9 Bee Weir - Glassworker - http://www.craftsfromtheclink.com Ben Melton - Resin Artist - https://bmartstuff.com/ Andrea Hunter - Felt Artist - http://www.focusonfelt.co.uk/ Episode 10 Mark Hamilton - Wood & Metal Sculptor - http://www.smallhit.co.uk/ Maddy Howard - Mosaic Artist Karl Macauley - Wood Carver - http://www.elegantchainsawcarvings.co.uk/ Episode 11 Deborah Moses - Glass Artist - http://www.thesilverzebra.co.uk/fused-glass-home Graham Thew - Watercolourist - http://www.grahamthewart.uk/ Steve Blaylock - Metal Sculptor - https://metalsculpture.co.uk/ Episode 12 Maisie Baker - Textile Artist - https://www.facebook.com/maisiebakerdesigns/ Jane Austin - Painter - http://www.janeaustin.co.uk/ Giles Davies - Collage Creator - http://www.gilesdavieslandscapes.co.uk/ Episode 13 Amanda Godden - Papier-Mâché Artist - https://www.facebook.com/AmandaGoddenFineArtist/ Robin Ross - Screenprinter - http://www.rockfactoryprintstudio.co.uk Meha Hindocha - Illustrator - https://mehaart.com Episode 14 Paul Dunkerley - Contemporary Sculptor - https://pauldunx.com/ Lucie Ann Trickett - Abstract & Imppressionist Painter - https://www.luciianngiftedart.com/ Charlotte Newson - Visual Artist - https://www.charlottenewson.com/ Episode 15 Emma Wood - Fused Glass Artist - http://emma-wood-glass.co.uk/ Jane Richmond - Artist & Ceramic Sculptor - http://www.jane-richmond.com/ Andrew Vickers - Stone Carver - https://stonefacecreative.com/

The unofficial capital of Yorkshire, Leeds is a vibrant modern city full to the brim with history, culture, and natural beauty. Home to one of the UK's largest pedestrianised shopping areas, the UK's third busiest railway station, and the countries most Northerly vineyard, Leeds certainly gives its larger rivals a run for their money!

Read on to discover more about some of our favourite places to visit in Leeds...

For the Shopaholic

Leeds is bursting with amazing places for shopping with the Trinity Mall, Kirkgate Market, and Leeds Corn Exchange featuring a mix of quirky independent retailers as well as all of your favourite high street brands. Our favourite shopping destination however, has to be the stunning Victoria Leeds which brings together the Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate areas into an architecturally striking shopping and leisure centre. The centre features over 90 boutique retail stores, a selection of stylish restaurants, a casino, and the largest John Lewis department store outside of London. The Victoria Quarter's beautiful Victorian arcades are Grade II listed and house Europe's largest stained glass window, by artist Brian Clarke. The coloured roof is over 400 feet long, extending from one end of the street to the other making for a spectacular setting for a day of retail therapy. RANDOM FACT: The Victoria Quarter is also known as the 'Knightsbridge of the North'.

For the History Buff

There's plenty of history to be found in Leeds with a long list of spectacular Victorian architecture to discover including the glorious Leeds Town Hall. A Grade I listed building, Leeds Town Hall is considered Yorkshire's finest ceremony venue. Built between 1853 and 1858 and designed by architect Cuthbert Brodrick, it is one of the largest Town Hall's in the UK. The Hall's Victorian architecture is a reflection of the wealth, power and confidence of the time in which it was created and the building was opened by Queen Victoria herself in one of the city's most important celebrations in history. A multi-purpose building, the Town Hall now plays host to a variety of events including weddings, conferences, festivals, and concerts. RANDOM FACT: The Town Hall held the title of tallest building in Leeds for a record 108 years before being overtaken in 1966 by the Park Plaza Hotel.

For the Theatre Lover

If a night at the theatre is what you’re after then you'll need to head to Leeds' Grand Theatre & Opera House. The Grand Theatre is a 1,500 seat, Grade II listed theatre and opera house in the Briggate area of Leeds which first opened its doors in 1878. At it's opening, the theatre's grand Victorian Gothic style and decorative interiors were deemed to be ‘ahead of its time’. The theatre hosts acts from all areas of the arts including drama from The National Theatre, West End Musicals, and performances from its resident companies, Opera North and Northern Ballet. Famous faces to have graced the Grand Theatre stage include Julie Andrews, Laurence Olivier, and Sting. RANDOM FACT: The theatre's first show was a production of 'Much Ado About Nothing'.

For the Creative

In every city we visit we love to hunt down the city's best art pieces and in Leeds you'll find them at the Leeds Art Gallery. The gallery is a Grade II listed space with a stunning glass roof where you can view works by both national and internationally renowned artists. The gallery's clock tower makes it one of the stand out figures in the city's skyline and it is also home to one of the most significant collections of 20th century British art in the country. The gallery forms part of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, a group of spaces celebrating the world's greatest sculptures, and hosts a vast array of paintings and sculptures from award-winning artists to up and coming talent. RANDOM FACT: Leeds Art Gallery's entrance hall contains Leeds' oldest civic sculpture, a 1712 marble statue of Queen Anne.

For A Night of Entertainment

For a great night out, see who's playing at the First Direct Arena during your trip. The Arena is Leeds' main entertainment venue and has played host to some of the world's biggest artists including Elton John, Cirque Du Soleil, and Bruce Springsteen. The Arena holds 13,500 spectators and is the first UK arena to have a fan-shaped orientation, allowing all seats to face towards the stage and reduce the viewing distances to create a more intimate space. RANDOM FACT: First Direct Arena has been recognised as one of the country's top five iconic buildings alongside the Gherkin, Sage, Etihad Stadium and Birmingham Library.

For Discovering more about Leeds

Finally, if you want to know more about the history of this thriving Northern city you'll not want to miss Leeds City Museum. Located on Millenium Square in the city centre, Leeds City Museum is a free museum located in the former Mechanics Institute made up six different galleries including the Life on Earth Gallery, the Ancient Worlds Gallery, and the Leeds Story Gallery. The most loved of the Museum's exhibits is the 'Leeds Tiger', an Indian Tiger pelt stuffed with straw thought to originate from a tiger who had been shot for spending too much time near an Indian village. The Museum has an ever changing programme of events with regular interactive, family friendly exhibits, offering an educational and fun day out for visitors of all ages.

The iconic Leeds buildings which made it onto our glassware are:

• The Royal Armouries Museum
• Opal House (Silhouette)
• Tetley's Brewery Wharf
• Bridgewater Place (Silhouette)
• Victoria Leeds
• Granary Wharf (Candle Building)
• Kirkgate Market
• Trinity Mall Leeds
• Pinnacle (Silhouette)
• First Direct Arena
• Leeds Corn Exchange
• Leeds Grand Theatre
• Leeds Art Gallery
• Leeds City Museum
• Sky Plaza (Silhouette)
• Leeds Town Hall
• Civic Hall
• Parkinson Building (Leeds University Steps)

*Our Whiskey Tumblers do not include Trinity Mall or the Leeds Grand Theatre due to size constraints. We hope you enjoyed taking a tour around Leeds via our Skyline Glassware, you can see our Leeds gin glass listing here and our glass tumbler here.

The most populous city in the North East, Newcastle is famous for the Angel of the North, the Gateshead Millenium Bridge, and of course it's football team. Our Newcastle skyline gin glasses and tumblers incorporate all of these icons and more and in this blog we go into more depth about the individual landmarks featured.

St James' Park Stadium

Home to the city's football team Newcastle United, St James' Park is the seventh largest football stadium in England, seating 52,388 spectators at full capacity. As well as football matches, St James' Park has also hosted Rugby League and Union matches, charity events, and even rock concerts! RANDOM FACT: The location of the stadium was historically a place of execution. In 1650, 22 people went to the gallows including 15 witches. The last hanging to take place there was in 1844.

Life Science Centre

The Life Science Centre is an award-winning science centre home to a variety of hands-on exhibitions created to bring out your inner scientist. At Life, you're actively encouraged to get stuck in to interacting with the exhibits which include a science theatre, planetarium, and 4D motion ride. The centre also regularly hosts science events such as a monthly computer coding club, astronomy evenings, and hands-on science sessions for children and teens.

Grey's Monument

Standing at over 40 metres tall, Grey's Monument acts as the centre point of Newcastle's bustling city centre. Erected in 1838, the statue depicts UK Prime Minister (1830 - 1834) Charles Earl Grey who's government passed the Great Reform Act of 1832 which lead to changes to the country’s unfair electoral system. As a result, the monument was created in his honour by local architects John and Benjamin Green, and sculpted by Edward Hodges Baily, who also created Nelson's statue in London's Trafalgar Square. RANDOM FACT: During World War II Earl Grey’s statue stood without a head after being decapitated by a lightning strike!

Civic Centre

The Grade II listed Civic Centre is the main administrative and ceremonial centre for Newcastle City Council and was first opened in 1968. The grand entrance to the Centre features nine huge flambeaux's which can be lit on demand, a hark back to days past when huge barrels of tar would be lit to draw crowds to council meetings.

St Nicholas Cathedral

Originally built as the parish church in 1091, St Nicholas Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Newcastle, of the Anglican Church. The Cathedral forms part of the medieval area of the city with Medieval features including a stained glass roundel of the Virgin Mary, an ornate front cover, and the Thornton Memorial Brass which is the largest Flemish brass in the country. RANDOM FACT: The Cathedral has the finest collection of ‘colours’, or regimental flags, anywhere in the country outside London.

Theatre Royal

Regarded as one of the finest theatre buildings in the country, the Theatre Royal is one of just nine Grade I listed theatres in England. One of the grandest venues in town, the theatre hosts over 300 shows every year, attracting over 300,000 visitors. The Theatre Royal opened in February 1837 with the first show being a performance of The Merchant of Venice and is now home to the Shakespeare Company, Opera North, and the National Theatre.

The Castle

Once part of a large fortress, the Castle is where Newcastle got its name and is one of the city's most historic buildings. Used for defensive purposes in Roman times the castle was also the last line of defense for the town during the English Civil War and graffiti from the eventual stand-off with Scottish forces can still be seen inside. The most prominent remaining features of the site are the fortified stone tower, known as the Castle Keep, and the Black Gate, a fortified gatehouse. RANDOM FACT: In 1733, a showman attempted to make a donkey ‘fly’ from the roof of the Castle Keep. Miraculously, it survived!

Gateshead Millenium Bridge

The Gateshead Millenium Bridge holds the title of the world's first and only tilting bridge. The unique design of the bridge was the result of a competition held by Gateshead Council which gave a brief to create a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists which:

• Allowed ships to pass underneath;
• Did not overshadow the world famous view of the existing bridges;
• Didn't obstruct the Quayside.

The winning, tilting, design was created by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and Gifford and Partners and first opened to the public in September 2001. RANDOM FACT: The Gateshead Millenium Bridge contains enough steel to make 64 double decker buses!

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

The BALTIC is housed in a vast converted flour mill on the South bank of the River Tyne and is the UK's largest dedicated contemporary art institution. Visitors to BALTIC are invited to discover powerful ideas, reflect on provocative new concepts, and experience a collection of innovative international as well as local art. The centre's exhibitions are ever-changing and aim to create greater understanding of the world and which give an insight into the practice of contemporary artists.

Sage Gateshead

The Sage Gateshead is an international music venue and centre for musical education regarded as one of the finest centres for music in the world. The iconic silver curved building was designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners and first opened in 2004. Every year the Sage hosts over 400 concerts made up of international, regional, and local artists as well as over 10,000 music classes and workshops. Internationally famous artists to have graced the Sage stage include Morrissey, James Brown, Nancy Sinatra, and Blondie. RANDOM FACT: The Sage definitely splits opinions with its impressive architecture having won both the Local Authority Building of the Year in 2005 and Private Eye's 'Worst Building of the Year' in 2004.

Tyne Bridge

Connecting Newcastle with Gateshead, the Tyne Bridge is a through arch bridge designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson and built by Dorman Long and Co. who later went on to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The bridge was opened on the 10th of October 1928 by King George V and at the time was the world's longest single span bridge. These days, you'll probably most recognise Tyne Bridge from the annual Great North Run which sees thousands of runners pass over the bridge whilst being spurred on by an aerial display by the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

Angel of the North

Perhaps the most famous of Newcastle's landmarks, the Angel of the North attracts visitors from all over the UK, and even the world, to the city. The giant angel sculpture measures an impressive 20 metres tall with a wingspan of 54 metres and stands proudly overlooking the A1 into Tyneside. Created by Antony Gormley the steel Angel was primarily funded by the National Lottery and is regarded as the UK's most famous piece of public art. RANDOM FACT: Due to its exposed location, the Angel of the North is built to withstand wind speeds of over 100mph! You can see our Newcastle gin glass here and our glass tumbler here. For our full range of Newcastle products, click here.

Mother's Day is just around the corner and if you're anything like us, you'll be rattling your brain to think of something special to gift the woman who has everything! To help you out, we've curated this list of Mother's Day gifts covering the classic to the colourful.

Handmade Natural Soap by BahariBlossom

We all know Mum's are always rushed off their feet so what better gift to help them relax than this vegan handmade soap from Bahari Blossom. Enriched with vitamin rich sea kelp 'The Ocean Calls' is an exotic mix of lime, coconut, and marine fragrances reminiscent of salty sea air and tropical summer holidays. Available to order online here.

Cupcake Gift Box by Hey Little Cupcake

If there's one day where Mum's can indulge, it's Mother's Day. Our lovely friends over at Hey Little Cupcake have created this floral cupcake gift box made up of delicious vanilla sponge cupcakes topped with pink vanilla roses. Cake AND flowers? What Mum wouldn't love this?! Choose from a box of 4, 6, or 12. Available to order online here.

Skyline Gin Glass by MehaArt

Raise a glass to your gin loving Mum and their favourite city with one of our stunning skyline balloon gin glasses. Choose from cityscapes including London, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, and Durham for a gift that's both practical and sentimental. See the full range of Skyline Gin Glasses and order online here.

Personalised Floral Make Up Bag by Mosie & Furl

Nothing says you've really thought about a gift like having something personalised. Handmade from vintage fabric this beautiful floral make up bag from fellow Manchester maker Mosie & Furl is perfect for making your Mum feel special with a gift created just for her. Available to order online here.

Manchester Skyline Apron by MehaArt

Our vibrant 100% cotton aprons make the perfect gift for Masterchef Mum's and are guaranteed to brighten up even the dullest of kitchens. This multicoloured design features Meha’s much loved illustrations of Manchester icons including the Central Library, Beetham Tower, Castlefield, and lots more. Available to order online here. To see our full range of aprons click here.

Manchester Bee Wooden Coaster by Jessica6Designs

Available in walnut or oak this laser cut Manchester Bee coaster is sure to be a hit with tea loving Mums and with the option of adding a special engraving makes a perfect personalised gift. Far from being just a coaster, this geometric bee also makes a great piece of contemporary art and can even be framed for a unique piece of wall art. Available to order online here. Our last order date for Mother’s Day is Wednesday March 27th.

Following the 2017 attack on the Manchester Arena, the Manchester bee symbol has come to represent the defiant spirit and unity of the city but did you know this best-known symbol of Manchester has been around for much longer? The worker bee icon first became associated with Manchester during the 18th and 19th centuries, during the period more commonly known as the Industrial Revolution. The bee represents the city being a hive of activity, with the workers of textile mills and factories being referred to as 'busy bees', a reflection on their hard work ethic and ability to work together. Officially introduced to the city's coat of arms in 1802, you can now find the bee icon all over the city, from adorning bins and plant pots to the clock face of the Palace Hotel. As a result of the bee becoming a symbol of solidarity following the Manchester Arena attack, there was also a huge movement of people who had the Manchester icon permanently tattooed on their skin as a reminder of the cities unity. Whilst the events of May 22nd were horrific, the public's response showed the world the true spirit of Manchester, with people from all walks of life coming together to support those involved in the attack. Taxi Drivers gathered around the arena to take victims to local hospitals, Sikh temples gave out food, and many Mancunians offered refuge in their own homes to those left stranded. It was a striking display of resilience and a community brought together through tragedy. In the wake of the attack, the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund was set up to help the bereaved families and those injured or traumatised by the event, and over the following months an incredible £21.5 Million was raised by people around the world wanting to show their support. Another recent display of the Bee symbol was the Bee in the City trail which saw a huge colony of 101 giant bee sculptures take over the streets of Manchester. Meha was delighted to be involved, creating a bee featuring a colourful depiction of the ever-changing Manchester skyline and sponsored by Henry Boot PLC. 77 of the Bee's were auctioned off in aid of the We Love MCR Charity raising an amazing £1.1 Million, with Meha's Bee being purchased by a private collector for an impressive £10,000!! With the bee's popularity continuing to rise, Meha has had many requests to replicate her colourful worker bee design as murals, with her most recent piece brightening up the office space at Ashfield Healthcare alongside a larger piece depicting the Manchester skyline. The Manchester Bee's representation of hard work make it the perfect icon to adorn the walls of office spaces across the city, whilst bringing a splash of colour too! If you fancy brightening up your space with a hand drawn Meha mural get in touch with us today by emailing orders@mehaart.com.

Photo Credit: @StreetArtAtlas Credit: Stanley Chow World-famous illustrator Stanley Chow produces iconic prints with defined strokes that have become his unmistakable style. His work has been featured across the world in The New Yorker, GQ and Wired and he began the art by sketching his friends, including fellow famous Mancunian, Elbow’s Guy Garvey. Born and raised in Manchester, much of his work is a pinnacle of the north. He has produced artwork for local campaigns portraying local music artists such as Sting, and his Great Northerners collection featured portraits of legends such as Liam Gallagher and Sir Ian McKellen, with 15% of sales going to local charity Forever Manchester. Meha Hindocha To see the full blog over on the Housing Units blog, click here.

In my study, you will have probably already seen the Manchester worker bee mosaic by Amanda McCann. We bought it a couple of years ago at Levenshulme market and I still love it! There’s a full-on Manchester art overload going on in our dining room and living room. Our favourite print of all is the Manchester skyline print by Meha Art. It has a huge personal meaning as we bought it on St Ann’s Square in Manchester on our very last day in the UK before moving to Berlin! I love her art because it’s so colourful and vibrant but it’s also full of lots of little details and I seem to discover something new every time I look at it. We love Meha’s art so much in fact, that we also bought a Las Vegas print to remind us of a fantastic holiday with friends there a couple of years ago. Our newest art by Meha is an amazing Berlin print which now hangs in our guest bedroom / Airbnb (yes, that’s still happening and we hope to be open at the end of October!). It looks amazing in the room and I absolutely love how it stands out on our white panelled walls. I guess you can tell we really love Meha’s art! She has beautiful prints for loads of different cities and recently also started a fun homeware collection which is definitely worth checking out, too! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read the full blog featuring Little House On The Corner's full Manchester art collection, click here.

From proposals to holidays, our detailed cityscapes are always a great talking point at markets, evoking memories from different cities. Below we take you on a more detailed look through just some of our skyline range, pointing out recognisable icons which boldly feature on our gin glasses and tumblers. London The most famous UK skyline, our London design features iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, The London Eye, and Tower Bridge as well as skyscrapers The Shard and The Gherkin. Durham Adorning our Durham skyline you'll find historic landmarks including the UNESCO world heritage sites, Durham Cathedral and Castle. Newcastle Our Newcastle design celebrates all that is great about the city including the Gateshead Millenium Bridge, Angel of the North, and St Nicholas Cathedral. A series of Magpies flying across the skyline gives a nod to Newcastle United as well as featuring the teams home, St James Park. Leeds Beautifully captured in our Leeds skyline are some of the city’s best known landmarks including The Royal Armouries Museum, Bridgewater Place, the First Direct Arena, and the Grade I listed Town Hall. Other skylines available include Manchester and Liverpool. See our full range of Skyline Glasses here.