Artist Kitty McKay

Exhibition Dates: 24th October – 19th December

Kitty McKay is a contemporary artist celebrated for her playful, innovative use of Plasticine. Her work explores nostalgia, community and storytelling, often reflecting themes of heritage and place.

By The Lido Wall is Kitty’s most ambitious project to date, paying tribute to William Harbutt, the North Shields-born inventor of Plasticine. The installation transforms Globe Gallery into a reimagined Plasticine replica of the long-lost Hawkeys Lane pool — once a much-loved community hub.

Created in collaboration with local residents, the work brings together shared memories and stories in a vibrant, immersive celebration of North Shields’ creative and social history.

Part of Globe Gallery’s Threads of Time programme and supported by Historic England, By The Lido Wall continues the celebration of North Shields 800, honouring the town’s creative legacy while looking towards its future.

This project has been made possible with the support of the UK Government, Historic England, North Shields 800, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Globe Gallery, 97 Howard Street North Shields