“Readheads Dinnertime” at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
Graham Hodgson (b. 1967)
Readheads Dinnertime, 2017
oil on board
Al Newham commissioned this painting of shipyard workers exiting Readheads’ West Gate, painted by South Shietds born artist Graham Hodgson, whose own father had also worked at the famous West Docks Yard.
Al explains: “worked briefly on the bulk carrier Himmerland as an apprentice electrician while she was being fitted out in 1967. This painting shows a typical scene at ‘dinner time’ when there would be a dash across the road to the canteen for those who didn’t Live nearby. “All sub-contractors were made to wait outside the canteen by a formidable boiler-suited employee until all the Readhead & Sons lads were in. Conditions at that time were not so good as today: hard hats, ear defenders, suitable footwear and face masks were not regulation requirements.
“There was strict demarcation between the trades in the shipyard. As a sub-contractor, and in my ignorance, I went on board with a joiner’s brace hand tool. 1 must say I was told, in no uncertain terms, not to bring it on board again!’
This image is copyright of the author and is included on my site as part of my art and photography journey. All rights reserved by the artist. Please do not copy, distribute or request un-watermarked image.