South Tyneside football memorabilia wanted for exhibition

24 January 2019

South Tyneside football memorabilia wanted

Football fans and players of all generations and teams across South Tyneside are being asked to contribute to this summer’s exhibition at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery.

The exhibition will explore the history of football in South Tyneside, featuring stories of players and fans throughout history and up to the present day, from the famous, the local and unsung heroes of the game.

Curator Adam Bell would like to hear from people who have any memorabilia that they’d be prepared to lend the museum for the duration of the exhibition.

Adam Bell, assistant keeper of history and exhibition curator said:

“We’d really appreciate it if people could come forward to share memories and stories, or if they have as any memorabilia - from programmes to team photos, medals, kits, boots, and cups or anything interesting – they could lend the museum for display in the exhibition.”

Adam would also like to hear from anyone who’d be willing to talk to him and share any memories of their time as a player or supporter, from any team, from workplace, church, and pub teams to league football in the Borough.

Please contact Adam either by email adam.bell@twmuseums.org.uk or by calling (0191) 211 5599.

South Shields Football Club (SSFC) ‘The Mariners’ will feature prominently in the exhibition – as 2019 marks the centenary of the club achieving membership of the Football League  – charting the Mariners’ evolution since its origins in 1888 through to the legendary FA Vase victory in 2017, and the club’s ongoing development and ambitions today.

As well as SSFC, the many amateur teams of the Borough’s yesteryear will also be celebrated, from works’ teams including Reyrolle and Westoe Colliery, through to church and school teams.

Famous players who were born or grew up in South Tyneside will also be featured.

The exhibition will run from 15 June – 12 October 2019 with free entry, although donations are welcome.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is open 6 days a week, Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 11am – 4pm and has free entry. 

Image: detail from cigarette card issued by John Player and Sons, 'Footballers 1928-29', second series, no. 70, showing Peter Shevlin, goalkeeper for South Shields Football Club.