Late 19th and early 20th century subdivision plans of Hunter suburbs feature in a new Newcastle Library exhibition that offers a fascinating look at our early neighbourhoods.
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The hand-drawn plans are a colourful way to explore the history of our suburbs. This exhibition offers the chance to take a look at early Cooks Hill, Merewether, Hamilton and other suburbs across greater Newcastle.
The plans were designed to advertise the sale of land to home buyers and help them select the block on which to build the lives that would ultimately form modern-day Newcastle.
The subdivisions were created on land owned by the Crown, coal companies, private interests and individuals. Some were designed for the convenience of workers, close to industries and other employment; others offered a sea or lakeside lifestyle.
To attract people to the sales, auctioneers offered incentives such as free trams, coaches and trains.
Another exhibition, Ten Years of Newcastle Productions: The Art of Trevor Dickinson, is also being shown.
The exhibition includes drawings, murals and zines of Newcastle's iconic buildings, houses and places, some of which have now disappeared. Dickinson's murals hold a special place in the heart of many Novocastrians. The murals at the tunnel at Merewether and the Newcastle Museum have featured in thousands of wedding, Instagram and family photos.
