The Opening of Sunderland South Docks, 20 June 1850, 1850 by John Wilson Carmichael at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
The Opening of Sunderland South Docks, 20 June 1850, 1850
By John Wilson Carmichael (1800-1868)
Oil on canvas
Given by the Port of Sunderland Authority, 1973
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.
