“Hoisting the Skeg” by Robert Olley. South Shields Museum, England

“The skeg was fitted to the stern of the ship housing the rudder and propellers.

“I chose this subject to highlight the lack of safety precautions in the yards. Workers are perched precariously at great heights without safety harnesses. They toil wearing only cloth caps and old clothing that has seen better days, clothing that was once ‘Sunday Best’ or perhaps working men’s club attire.

“Hard hats, gloves and steel-toed boots seem to be non-existent.”

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on board
Artist: Robert Olley (b. 1940)
Date: 2021

Image details
Date: 15 June 2022
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO: 320
Licence: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.