Newry Health Centre

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Group of three single and two storey blocks with overhanging copper roofs, joined by flat felt roofed link blocks. Main entrance on link block , with projecting canopy. Continuous band of square windows below eaves of each block. Two storey blocks have ground floor windows recessed behind pilotis. Outside, below the entrance canopy is a large abstract mosaic made up of coloured tile sections and stone pressed into cement.

Railings: wrought iron with chamfered granite bases and decorative wrought iron posts.

Historical information

Designed by Raymond Leith in 1961. Mosaic by Colin Middleton. Middleton (1910-1993) was one of Ulster’s most outstanding 20c artists, receiving an MBE for his work in 1969.

Secondary Sources

1. Mike Catto, Art in Ulster II 1957-77 (Belfast: Blackstaff Press).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Group of three single and two storey blocks with overhanging copper roofs, joined by flat felt roofed link blocks. Although Raymond Leith is an architect of some standing in the Province, it is difficult at this date to ascertain how important this building is compared to his other works. The most important feature is the mosaic which, being executed by Colin Middleton, is an interesting work.