Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/shipley/

Local businessman, Joseph Ainsley Davidson Shipley (1822 — 1909), donated his collection of paintings and a large sum of his wealth to the City of Newcastle for the development of a public art gallery. However, Newcastle declined Shipley's bequest.

Instead Gateshead took the initiative and fulfilled his wishes by building a public art gallery to house the collection. The Shipley Art Gallery opened in 1917 in a new building designed by local architect Arthur Stockwell.

It is now the North East's leading gallery for design and contemporary craft, including the Henry Rothschild Collection of studio ceramics on long-term loan to the gallery since 1994. The Rothschild Collection gives an in-depth perspective on the diversity of ceramic practice in the UK over the past twenty-five years.

The recently added Designs for Life galleries showcase over three hundred objects from the last two thousand years. The gallery stages a varied programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Guest editor’s note:
The Shipley Art Gallery is a real gem. Located on the outskirts of Gateshead town centre, the beautiful, grand Edwardian building still holds many of its original and quirky architectural features.

It has a permanent display of objects from its extensive craft and design collections, as well as a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and events that range from showcases of regional designers and makers to larger touring exhibitions.

Reviewed by: Catherine Bertola