Tyne Brand Hoardings, Fish Quay, North Shields
Appearing on the historic quayside, Vessel is a bold, artist-led celebration of North Shields’ heritage and creative spirit. The large-scale printed artwork will transform the hoardings at the former Tyne Brand site, drawing on the area’s rich industrial and maritime past.
The project is rooted in four interwoven strands, shipping, canning, printing and pottery, each reflecting a piece of the site’s story. Maritime colours, seaweed patterns, typography and shipping codes shape the design, reimagining these histories for today and connecting the rhythms of the past with the energy of the present.
In-Place are a collective of four artists based in North Shields, whose public work seeks to challenge, question or enhance our relationship to place. They first came together three years ago for a print project, and their shared commitment to exploring location and identity has shaped this new work.
The collaborative design process included multiple site visits, consultations with local stakeholders, and exploration of regional archives, ensuring that the work remained grounded in the specific history, industry, and character of the area. Pupils from Spring Gardens Primary School took part in a creative, hands-on workshop. Their poetic statement is woven into the design, bringing a youth voice to the project.
As Vessel takes shape, updates will be shared through social media. A limited edition print will be released soon, offering another way for the community to connect with the work. This is a project made for North Shields, a reminder that the stories of this place continue to evolve, and that artists and communities can shape how they are told.
‘Vessel’: Art by In-Place, Design by Ronan Devlin Studio.
Funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter.
