From overlooked street corners to striking works of art, photographer David Jackson is bringing his creative business, Pretty Urban, to North Shields’ new indoor market.

As Common Ground takes shape inside the former Wilko building at the Beacon Centre, we’re introducing some of the independent businesses and creative people who will be bringing this new space to life.

Among the first to join is Pretty Urban, the photography and urban art business founded by David Jackson, whose work celebrates the unexpected beauty of our everyday surroundings.

For David, opening a permanent space in North Shields represents more than a new business opportunity. It’s a homecoming, a chance to establish roots and the next chapter in a creative journey that began with a significant change of direction.

FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE CREATIVE WORLD

Before establishing Pretty Urban, David spent almost 20 years working as a secondary school Art and Photography teacher, having originally studied Graphic Design.

Eventually, he decided it was time to take a leap of faith and invest fully in his passion for photography, graffiti and abandoned urban spaces.

“Pretty Urban all started with a leap of faith when I decided after almost 20 years in education, that it was time to fully invest in my passion for Photography, graffiti and gritty abandonment,” David explains.

Since then, he has spent two years developing his business through creative markets and pop-up events, building a distinctive collection of photographic artwork inspired by the urban landscape.

Now, with a permanent space at Common Ground on the horizon, he’s preparing for his biggest step yet.

FINDING BEAUTY IN THE EVERYDAY

There’s something fascinating about the way David sees the world.

Where others might see peeling paint, weathered walls, graffiti or an abandoned building, he sees colour, texture, composition and a story waiting to be told.

His photography focuses on small, often unnoticed fragments of our streets, capturing them close up and transforming them into vibrant abstract artworks.

“Pretty Urban is all about the unseen beauty in our day-to-day lives, so our city and streets are the inspiration for all Pretty Urban originals,” he says.

Each photograph begins with something real, a detail discovered while exploring the urban environment.

And because street art and abandoned spaces are constantly changing, many of the original subjects no longer exist.

In this sense, David’s photographs become something more than decorative art. They are records of places and moments that might otherwise disappear, preserving fragments of our changing surroundings.

It’s an approach that resonates with our own interest at I Love North Shields in documenting everyday culture, local identity and the social history found in the ordinary places around us.

WHAT WILL PRETTY URBAN BRING TO COMMON GROUND?

Visitors to Pretty Urban can expect an extensive range of original photographic artwork, with unframed prints starting from just £8.

David’s work will be available in different sizes and formats, from affordable prints to large statement pieces designed to become the centrepiece of a room.

Customers will also be able to commission personalised pieces, selecting frames, mounts, finishes and sizes to suit their homes.

And the creativity doesn’t stop at the walls.

Pretty Urban’s distinctive photography can also be transformed into cushions, lampshades and soft furnishings, including luxury velvet fabrics.

The idea is to offer something individual, with customers involved in creating the finished piece rather than simply choosing something off the shelf.

A HOMECOMING TO NORTH SHIELDS

David’s connection to the area makes his arrival at Common Ground particularly meaningful.

Having grown up in Walker and lived in both Wallsend and North Shields, he has strong roots in North Tyneside.

North Shields also happens to be where Pretty Urban held its very first pop-up shop.

“Having grown up in Walker and lived in Wallsend and North Shields, I feel that Pretty Urban couldn’t find a better permanent home!” he says.

“I’m so proud of my roots and it’s amazing to see North Shields thriving; so, to be part of next generation Shields and based in the place I call home, couldn’t be more exciting.”

For someone who has spent the past two years travelling between markets and temporary retail spaces, having a place to call his own is a major milestone.

“Common Ground feels like a homecoming for Pretty Urban,” David says.

“Having ownership of my own space, which I can fully make my own is so exciting and knowing I’m in great company with other retailers and creative sellers in such a fantastic space is beyond exciting.”

A NEW CHAPTER FOR INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

David’s journey is a good example of what Common Ground hopes to make possible.

The new indoor market, being developed by the Beacon Centre in partnership with I Love North Shields on trader recruitment and curation, is bringing together an eclectic mix of independent retailers, makers, artists, collectors and specialist businesses.

The aim is to create an accessible stepping stone between occasional markets and the commitment of a traditional high street shop.

For some, it will be their first physical retail space. For others, an opportunity to expand an established business, reach new customers or become part of a community of like-minded independents.

And for David, it’s the chance to turn years of creative work into something permanent, right in the town where his first pop-up began.

As the former Wilko building continues its transformation, it’s the people and the stories behind their businesses that will give Common Ground its character.

We’re delighted to welcome David and Pretty Urban to the first phase and look forward to seeing how he brings his space to life.

COMMON GROUND – NORTH SHIELDS

Common Ground is taking shape inside the former Wilko building at the Beacon Centre, bringing together independent retailers, artists, makers, collectors and creative businesses under one roof.

Trader recruitment and curation are being led by Simmie Harper on behalf of the Beacon Centre, with a focus on creating an interesting and diverse mix of businesses, each bringing something different to the space.

Contact: simmie@ilovenorthshields.com to arrange a viewing.

I Love North Shields is proud to be a media partner, helping tell the stories of the people joining Common Ground and sharing the transformation of this landmark town-centre building.

For David Jackson, it’s an opportunity to establish a permanent home for Pretty Urban in a town that already holds a special place in his story.

And as more traders prepare to open their doors, we’ll be introducing the people, passions and independent businesses that will make Common Ground their own.