Historic Painting Restored for North Shields 800 Celebrations

Caption: David Hirst of Royal Quays Marina, Miles Walton of Rosserk Park Properties Ltd and Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Karen Clark at the unveiling event.

A historic oil painting by North Shields artist John Davison Liddell has been carefully restored and unveiled as part of the North Shields 800 anniversary celebrations.

The painting, The Royal Visit to the Tyne, August 1884, shows the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales – later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra – to the River Tyne for the opening of the Albert Edward Dock, now the site of Royal Quays Marina. It is now on display at North Shields Register Office.

Liddell’s work captures the moment the Royal party, travelling on the steamer Para-e-Amazonas with their sons, reached the Low Lights at North Shields. Crowds lined the river to welcome them, creating a lively scene that the painting preserves for future generations.

Liddell’s The Royal Visit to the Tyne on display at North Shields Register Office

Owned by North Tyneside Council, the painting had been kept in storage in recent years. Specialist conservation work has now ensured it can be enjoyed once again. The restoration was carried out by Newcastle-based art conservator Adrian Swales, with funding support from Rosserk Park Properties Ltd.

The painting was officially unveiled on 11 December by North Tyneside Mayor Karen Clark and Miles Walton, Director of Rosserk Park Properties Ltd.

Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Karen Clark said: "It is wonderful to see part of our borough’s heritage restored and on display in the stunning setting of North Shields Register Office as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations. This painting records a proud day in North Shields history."

Miles Walton of Rosserk Park Properties Ltd added: "We are proud to have supported the restoration of a painting that is so closely linked to the history of North Shields. It is fantastic that this piece will now be accessible for the community to enjoy for years to come."

The painting is now on permanent display at North Shields Register Office.