A new exhibition at South Shields Museum tells the proud story of shipbuilding and ship repair in South Tyneside.

This show will feature a new series of works by the legendary South Shields artist Robert Olley (who painted the iconic ‘Westoe Netty’), which have been inspired by shipyard trades (that’s his ‘The Rivet Cooker’ pictured). They will be shown alongside pieces from Peter Burns, a former shipyard plater turned artist. Visitors will also be able to see a flotilla of exquisitely detailed ship models, including loans from the National Maritime Museum, which will be on show alongside shipyard workers’ tools of the trade and many photographs. The exhibition will also feature personal stories of people who were involved in shipbuilding and ship repair, following on from a major oral history project that aimed to capture memories of life on the yards and docks of South Tyneside. GM

Pushing the Boat out, until 12 November, South Shields Museum. southshieldsmuseum.org.uk