Hello friends, family and visitors to the Library,

I think I will have to get a new hat as my favourite won’t fit at this rate…So many compliments! Thank you very much to all those of you who have made the time to visit the Newcastle-Under-Lyme Library exhibition, on Ironmarket. I am relieved to read that those who have kindly commented have felt that the visit was worthwhile. Also, lovely to hear about the old buildings around Maxim’s. Does anyone else have any insights or old memories of the the streets that have been drawn? There is a feedback form midway below.

The exhibition dates have been extended and it will stay up until 30th November, due to the cancellation of the exhibitor straight after me – I understand he is unwell so hope he is feeling better soon.

Greetings cards are now on sale at the library, ask at the counter. Some illustrate additional drawings to those on display and a few samples below:

Below are some of the comments received about the exhibition, full names withheld.

So impressed by the magnitude and detail of the whole project- your talent is amazing! What a wonderful way to open our eyes to the buildings around. Thank you.   RH

Ronnie Cruwys,you’ve really got your act together with these local scenes. Very, very good, lots of interest, lots of detail. Top drawer! GJ

Your drawings are amazing, taking care of the tiny details made it the drawings as if they are documenting the streets very well, also the scale and dimensions are very true. It was nice to meet you too. YK

Fantastic detailing, great use of colour makes the town look like a place you’d like to shop in (what a pity it isn’t). Spread your wings, other streets, a focus on certain buildings (pubs might be popular) maybe these pics could inspire great things in Newcastle!

Absolutely beautiful- keep up the good work. Great historical pictures (for our future children)!  Would be great to see Kidsgrove captured in this way! CC

Fantastic artwork and an inspiration to have a go myself, good range of places covered too! L

‘High street’ in the sixties, as a young art student looking for somewhere to sketch. We went around the corner, right hand side of your drawing, lots of little shops down an entry around the back. The back door of the shop still had a pub glass half door with engraved decoration and I think the name of the pub. It might be worth checking. Beautiful and interesting work. Well done and what an interesting project. Love the colours. M&P

Stand with your back to St Giles. Look across the dual carriageway to what used to be maxims night club. This used to be the old catholic club and overspill rooms for St Marys school. Also it was the Old Pomona pub. When they took Evans sweet factory down behind it, they discovered that there was a courtyard and had been a coaching Inn. P and I both went to St Martin’s overspill rooms and played round the lovely old tree in the middle of the yard. By the left hand side of Maxims is a building that used to be Sweethearts, if you look up on the left hand side of the building you will see the built in shop name and on the edge and corners two beautiful vases of fruit and flowers. Phew!   M

I don’t think I’ve ever seen your sketches before I’m really impressed, but not surprised. They have a playful quality about them, especially “Ironmarket in the Summer”, I think it’s the minimal us of colour. I think Liverpool Road is my favourite overall.  MM

Superb, Ronnie, well done! It almost bought a tear to my eye as you have captured everything so well. So pleased also that you have won an award with the museum and the exhibition there over Christmas! I’ve also been looking at your website and that too is really impressive! There’s no stopping you now is there!!? GR

Drawings are superb. You need to do a book to accompany them. I am sure that this would sell like hot cakes. SH

This is good babes  N

I’ve had a look at the link and then to your website – all I can say is WOW.  AW

This exhibition is by far the best I have ever seen. The detail in all the drawings is beautiful to see.  S. S

Beautiful drawings, great detail, it’s amazing how much the look of the buildings reflects the area. NW

Wonderful! Perhaps a few ghosts of what was once there: the municipal building et al.  BM

Impressive display, a fresh look to the eye, love them.

Well done Ronnie, v. Interesting. How come ‘Newbould’ name is omitted from the finished drawing but on the sketch? A&J

B and I love all of your pictures- think my favourite is Merrial Street- B’s favourite is Ironmarket. Love the sloping road leading up to the shops on Merrial Street. TG