Text from South Shields Local History Group

Al Newham commissioned this painting of shipyard workers exiting Readheads’ West Gate, painted by South Shields-born artist Graham Hodgson, whose own father had also worked at the famous West Docks yard.

Al explains: “I 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. I must say I was told, in no uncertain terms, not to bring it on board again!”

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on board
Artist: Graham Hodgson (b. 1967)
Date: 2017

Image details
Date: 15 June 2022
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/33s
ISO: 400
Licence: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.