The collier John Bowes is seen here leaving the Tyne. When she was launched at Jarrow in 1852, her design was pioneering. With an iron hull, steam power and the ability to take water on board as ballast, John Bowes revolutionised the coal trade as she was faster and more profitable to operate than the traditional sailing colliers.

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Frank Henry Mason (1876-1965)
Date: about 1930

Image Details
Date: 8 July 2026
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO: 160
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.