The Shipley Art Gallery opened in 1917 with a collection of 504 paintings bequeathed by local solicitor Joseph Shipley. Since then the collection has grown to include nearly 800 paintings and collections of works on paper, decorative art and contemporary craft. The Shipley’s art collections were designated as being of national importance in 1998.

How to view the collections at the Shipley Art Gallery

There are many thousands of objects in the Shipley’s collections and it is not possible to show all of them at any one time. The Gallery regularly changes displays to ensure rotation of works but there are many works in store.

The collections at the Shipley belong to the people of Gateshead and are recognised by the government as being nationally important. It is our priority to ensure regional, national and international visitors are able to view the collections wherever possible.

If you would like to see a specific item in the collections please ensure you contact us in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment. Our team are available by appointment to show visitors items in store. The team is very small and it is for this reason that we are not able to show visitors into the stores without prior notice.

To arrange an appointment please contact the gallery on (0191) 4771495 or info@shipleyartgallery.org.uk.