Collections

A summary of our collections

The Gallery houses an outstanding collection of contemporary craft and decorative art (together making up the design collections), oil paintings, watercolours and local Gateshead history.  Not all these collections can be shown at any one time.  Over the past 25 years the venue has become established as a national centre for contemporary craft and has built up one of the best collections outside London - this includes ceramics, wood, metal, glass, textiles and furniture.  In 1998 the fine art and craft collections were designated as being of national importance.

Henry Rothschild Study Centre
The Henry Rothschild Study Centre enables the Gallery to present a superb collection of 20th century ceramics amassed by Henry Rothschild (1913 – 2009), founder of the shop Primavera. The collection includes work by leading ceramicists working in Britain and internationally since the 1950s.
 

Shipley Lounge
The Shipley Lounge gives families an opportunity to take a break from the galleries and enjoy hot and cold drinks. With a play area and high chair provided, the Lounge provides the ideal environment for young children to have fun whilst the grown ups relax!