Carmichael was commissioned to record the opening of the massive Sunderland South Docks, which took place on 20 June 1850 with the ceremonial loading of coal from the new staiths. It was a major event in the history of Sunderland. George Hudson (the Railway King) had a leading part in the development of the South Dock. He is shown raising his hat, highlighted by a cloud of steam from a nearby ship.

Hudson also successfully led the project to build the Sunderland and Newcastle Railway, which is in the distance on the left.

Provenance: Given by the Port of Sunderland Authority, 1973

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: John Wilson Carmichael (1800-1868)
Date: 1850

Image Details
Date: 28 April 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 50mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/55s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens asset. This image cannot be licensed.