Shields, On the River Tyne

This exhibition spotlights a mezzotint print of J.M.W. Turner’s iconic watercolour, Shields, on the River Tyne, giving visitors an insight into the South Shields riverside area in the early nineteenth century through the eyes of one of Britain’s most celebrated artists.

The new exhibition coincides with the Laing Art Gallery’s exhibition, Turner: Art, Industry and Nostalgia, and the National Gallery 200 programme, which commemorates the bicentenary of the National Gallery in London. As part of this national celebration, the National Gallery has loaned twelve masterpieces from their collection to museums and art galleries across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This year, Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery was chosen to display J.M.W. Turner’s masterpiece, The Fighting Temeraire, from May-September 2024.

In the print, Shields, on the River Tyne, Turner recorded the thriving coal and shipping industry at the centre of South Shields. In this calm river scene, coal is being transferred from keelboats into collier ships ready for transportation. At the top right, an early coal waggon can be seen on a coal drop at the end of a primitive railway built to carry coal from the mines. Turner’s watercolour, painted as the original image for the mezzotint, is held in the Tate Britain collection. The scene provided a depth of contrast that translated well into the medium of mezzotint. Turner closely supervised the engravers to ensure they faithfully captured the technical detail and spirit of his watercolour originals. It could take an engraver months, or even a year, to produce just one small print. 

Free, drop in. Donations welcome.