Stretching out along the banks of the River Tyne are Lord Armstrong’s factories at Elswick. It was in this industrial suburb of Newcastle that Armstrong’s firm commenced production in 1847. This picture dates from the 1880s, when activity there was approaching its peak. Armstrong began to step back from his duties at Elswick and chose to live at Cragside permanently.

Watercolour on paper, The Elswick Works, by Thomas Marie Madawaska Hemy (North Shields 1852 – St Helens, Isle of Wight 1937), signed and dated 1886. The River Tyne with the Elswick works in the background.

Provenance: Armstrong collection. Transferred by the Treasury to The National Trust in 1977 via the National Land Fund, aided by 3rd Baron Armstrong of Bamburgh and Cragside (1919 – 1987).

Text from the National Trust website

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Cragside, Rothbury, Northumberland
Material: Watercolour on paper
Artist: Thomas Marie Madawaska Hemy (1852-1937)
Date: 1866

Image Details
Date: 21 April 2026
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 640
Licensing: Image of a National Trust asset. This image cannot be licensed.