In 1997 legendary South Shields artist Bob Olley captured the larger than life personality of South Shields ice cream baron Toney Minchella on canvas, marking his 80th birthday.

Toney is depicted raising a glass of red wine, in front of an Italian flag, a nod to his proud Italian heritage, although he was British-born. Toney “swore by red wine” and he lived to be 89. A ripe old age to live to, but not quite as long as Toney’s grandmother, who never left a little village in Italy, and who lived to be 102. Toney’s nana’s secret, evidently passed on to her grandson, was: Pane Rosso (bread) and Vino Rosso (wine).

Provenance: On loan from Toney Minchella

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Robert Olley (b. 1940)
Date: 1997

Image Details
Date: 24 February 2024
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO: 320
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.