Win an original Robert Olley painting

Legendary South Shields artist Robert Olley has donated one of his original oil paintings to the Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Development Trust, in order to raise funds for South Shields Museum & Art Gallery via a prize draw.  

The painting entitled ‘Fag Break’ has never been on display before and was inspired by shipbuilding, ship repair and associated industries in South Tyneside, where thousands were once employed.  

Geoff Woodward, Manager of South Shields Museum & Art Gallery said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for one lucky person to win an original artwork inspired by an industry so important in the heritage of the South Tyneside area. 

“We are extremely grateful to Bob for his generous donation to support South Shields Museum & Art Gallery.” 

Artist Robert Olley said: “I am pleased to be able to support South Shields Museum by donating this oil painting "Fag Break". The venue has given me much pleasure over many years. Good luck with the draw, I will meet the lucky winner on presentation day.” 

Ten other paintings by Robert Olley currently feature on loan in the museum’s exhibition ‘Pushing the Boat Out: Shipbuilding and Ship Repair in South Tyneside’ until Saturday 12 November, alongside a wealth of other objects. 

Tickets for the prize draw cost £2.50 each and can be bought online at https://shoptwmuseums.co.uk/pr... or in person at the museum shop. The full terms and conditions of the prize draw can be seen on the museum website.  

The winner of the painting will be drawn by Robert Olley accompanied by museum staff at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday 19 October 2022. 

The ongoing exhibition entitled ‘Pushing the Boat Out’ tells the proud story of shipbuilding, ship repair and associated industries in South Tyneside, from early wooden vessels through to the heyday of mighty ships of iron and steel. 

A flotilla of exquisitely detailed ship models, including loans from the National Maritime Museum, are on show alongside shipyard workers’ tools of the trade and many nostalgic photographs.  

Artworks by Peter Burns, a former shipyard plater, are paired with a brand-new series by Robert Olley, inspired by shipyard trades, on show for the first time.  

The exhibition also shares the personal stories of people who were involved in shipbuilding and ship repair, following on from a major oral history project to capture memories of life on the yards and docks of South Tyneside. 

For full details of opening times, events, and facilities available, please visit the website https://southshieldsmuseum.org...