The Baltic Flour Mill was completed in 1950, Rank Hovis built the mill to a design by the architects Gelder & Kitchen. It was one of a number of mills that used the river Tyne to power production.

As with many of the buildings of this genre, it fell into disrepair. Unlike its neighbours it was saved demolition by the Arts Council and other benefactors who put forward £50 million to convert the old mill into a state of the art contemporary gallery.

The redesigns were carried out by the architects Williams & Williams. They won a competition organised by RIBA in the 1990’s. Fund raising and planning took many years to complete, but the outcome is remarkable – a local landmark reborn, repatriated and most importantly well used. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art attracts huge numbers of visitors. The gallery hosted the Turner prize in 2011, only one of two venues outside of London ever to have been honoured with the exhibition.

The gallery commissioned Chisel & Mouse to produce a sculpture of the glorious river facing facade. The sculpture is smaller than our usual pieces but is no less imposing.

Each of our architectural sculptures is handmade in our studio in Sussex, England. They are made of strong plaster that has a reassuring weight and smooth, cool feel. The window frames and door are made of etched brass. Stylish ornaments, gifts or presents that are handmade in Britain.

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gateshead Quays, S Shore Rd, Gateshead, NE8 3BA, England