Newcastle’s ancient church was named after the patron saint of seamen, St Nicholas. Newcastle was a prosperous town, able to afford to build a very large church. The rectangular church library was added in 1736. It was paid for by Sir Walter Blackett, who had made a fortune from coal.

Several fashionably dressed people are standing beside the church, together with a servant girl in plain dress and cap. Ralph Waters was a Newcastle artist and drawing teacher.

Provenance: Given by The Art Fund, 1942

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Ralph Waters (1749-1817)
Date: about 1789

Image Details
Date: 15 April 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/53s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.