This plaster bust from the Museum’s collection was on display in this building when it was the Public Library and Reading Rooms. It was perhaps installed at the time the Library opened in 1873, just three years after Dickens’ death.

The building was previously the South Shields Literary, Mechanical and Scientific Institution.

It was built in 1860, the year Dickens began writing Great Expectations.

The bust was appropriate both as an image of a great writer, but also of a man who had campaigned to make education and learning available to everyone.

Black & white rendering of colour image

Object description
Type: Sculpture
Location: South Shields Museum, Tyne & Wear
Material: Plaster
Artist: Unknown
Date: Unknown

Image Details
Date: 24 March 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/33s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.