A broken mast at the edge of the pier shows the dangers of the North East coast where there were many wrecks.

Groups of figures look out to sea, perhaps waiting for a ship to come home.

On the left is the wooden 18th century Tide Light which stood at the end of the South Pier in Sunderland Harbour. The Tide Light was replaced in 1856 as part of a gradual series of improvements made to the harbour.

Provenance: Given by the Port of Sunderland Authority, 1973

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: John Wilson Carmichael (1799-1868)
Date: 1845

Image Details
Date: 20 April 2026
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 Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens asset. This image cannot be licensed.