This marble bust of Charles Mark Palmer, founder of Palmers shipyard, was presented to Jarrow Mechanics’ Institute (now Jarrow Civic Hall) when it was officially opened on 29 August 1864. The bust was described as a “faithful and striking likeness” and was the gift of Mrs Palmer, who hoped that the Institute would “tend to the improvement of the busy population of this district”.

The committee hoped to add more books to their existing library, and a series of lectures and classes were planned for the coming months.

The committee also hoped most earnestly for the creation of “a class for the young women of Jarrow, on how to economically manage a household, and to make good wives, so that their future husbands may find so many comforts and attractions at their own firesides, that they will spend their evenings there, and not be driven, as is too often the case, to forget their family wretchedness in the pleasures of the beer shop.”

Object description
Type: Sculpture
Location: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Tyne & Wear
Material: Marble
Artist: Edward William Wyon (1811-1885)
Date: 1864

Image details
Date: 15 June 2022
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO: 200
Licence: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.