A Masterpiece Returns Home: North Shields Rediscovers a Moment of Royal History
North Shields, 11 December 2025
As part of the North Shields 800 celebrations, a long-overlooked piece of local maritime heritage was brought back into the spotlight today with the unveiling of a newly restored oil painting titled The Royal Visit to the Tyne, August 1884, by North Shields-born artist John Davison Liddell (1859–1942).
The unveiling took place inside the Maritime Chambers at North Shields Register Office on Howard Street, where the painting is now proudly on public display. Guests were welcomed by Miles Walton of Rosserk Park Properties Limited, who spoke of the importance of keeping local culture visible and accessible. The official unveiling was carried out by the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Karen Clark.
This is a proud moment for North Shields — for the first time in years, the public can view this extraordinary work up close, in a civic building that anchors the heart of the town. It’s not just a painting; it’s a window into a defining chapter of local history, finally made visible for the community it belongs to.
A Royal Day, Reimagined
The painting captures the historic 21 August 1884 visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales (later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra) to North Shields. Arriving aboard the steamer Para-e-Amazonas, they sailed up the Tyne to officially open the Albert Edward Dock — now home to the Royal Quays Marina. Artist John Davison Liddell vividly depicted the celebration, complete with throngs of cheering crowds, Union Jack bunting, and the grandeur of the royal vessel.
Though the artwork has been part of North Tyneside Council’s collection for decades, it has rarely been seen by the public — until now.
The Restoration, and the Local Heroes Behind It
Art conservator Adrian Swales led the painstaking restoration, carefully removing decades of grime and damage to reveal the vivid colours and masterful detail originally painted by Liddell. This crucial work was made possible by Rosserk Park Properties Limited, whose sponsorship made the conservation a reality.
Their support didn’t just revive a painting — it brought a hidden piece of Shields’ soul back to life.
In a region where so many artworks still sit behind closed doors, waiting for the funds and expertise needed to rescue them, gestures like this are more than generous — they’re heroic. They ensure that the town’s working-class and maritime histories aren’t lost to time but are restored, remembered, and respected.
The Dock and Its Legacy
Opened by royal hands, Albert Edward Dock was one of the major infrastructure achievements of its time — deep-water, expansive, and modern. It cost £750,000 to build and radically expanded North Shields’ capacity as a seaport. Today, it’s transformed into the Royal Quays Marina, but the story of its opening lives on through Liddell’s brushstrokes.
A Gift to the People of North Shields
The unveiling isn’t just symbolic — it’s a turning point. For the community of North Shields, it’s a moment of reconnection with its heritage. Now on public display at the Register Office, the painting invites locals and visitors alike to step into history and see their town through Victorian eyes.
There’s something quietly powerful about seeing such a work not in a gallery or behind security glass, but in a community building — where marriages are held, births are registered, and daily life unfolds.
And while this painting has been rescued, many more remain hidden in archives, too fragile or faded to be shown. This makes the efforts of sponsors, artists, and cultural champions all the more vital.
In honouring the past, they are shaping the future of heritage in North Shields — and that deserves celebrating.
Thank You
This event and restoration would not have been possible without the commitment of local individuals and organisations passionate about preserving North Shields’ heritage.
A heartfelt thank you to:
- Rosserk Park Properties Limited – for their generous sponsorship and belief in restoring local history for public appreciation
- Adrian Swales – whose expert conservation work brought this painting back to life
- North Tyneside Council – for making the painting accessible to the public
- Karen Clark, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside – for officially unveiling the artwork and supporting heritage initiatives
- Miles Walton – for championing this project and speaking on its significance
- Everyone who attended the unveiling and continues to support North Shields 800 celebrations
Art belongs to the people — and today, it was given back to them.
📍 North Shields Register Office
Maritime Chambers
111 Howard Street
North Shields
NE30 1LZ
United Kingdom
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