NEWCASTLE'S first public art gallery is celebrating its centenary this week.

The Laing Art Gallery was founded by Scottish businessman Alexander Laing, who moved to Tyneside in 1849 and made his fortune from bottling beer.

In 1900 he approached Newcastle Council, offering to donate £20,000 to set up an art gallery in the city.

The foundation stone was laid on August 13, 1901, and the building, which eventually cost £30,000, was completed in 1904.

Caroline Worthington, keeper of art, said: "The Laing was the first public art gallery open for free in Newcastle.

"Reports from 1904 state that so many people came to the opening, police were called in to control the crowds.

"Last year's exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels was a massive draw and the exhibition of works from the Royal Collection was one of the most visited exhibitions in the UK."

Yesterday's celebrations included a civic ceremony in which a garland was placed on the bust of Alexander Laing, and a display was mounted about the gallery and Edwardian Newcastle.

There was a treasure trail for youngsters and appearances by an actor dressed up as the founder.

The celebrations will continue tomorrow with a talk about one of Edward Burne-Jones' celebrated works, Laus Veneris, and an antiques valuation event by auctioneers Anderson and Garland, from 2pm to 4pm.