Shipley Art Gallery

About the museum

The Shipley Art Gallery grew out of the collection of Joseph Shipley, a Gateshead solicitor born in 1822 who bought his first painting at sixteen in Newcastle's Bigg Market. By his death in 1909 he had gathered more than 2,500 paintings. Without direct heirs, he left his art and a large sum of money to the public, hoping that people could enjoy art freely and close to home. His will offered the collection first to a free gallery in Newcastle and, if Newcastle declined, to Gateshead.

Newcastle withdrew after some experts doubted the value of the paintings, and Gateshead Council accepted the bequest in 1912. It kept 504 paintings and sold the rest to help pay for a new gallery. The architect Arthur Stockwell designed a purpose-built building on Prince Consort Road, and the work continued through the First World War. The Shipley Art Gallery opened on 29 November 1917.

Shipley collected mainly 16th- and 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings, together with British works of the 19th century. Later acquisitions added North East painters such as Ralph Hedley and Norman Cornish. Alongside the paintings, the gallery has built up a nationally important craft and design collection, begun in 1977, with strong holdings of glass, metal, ceramics, wood and textiles. A study centre displays more than 300 studio ceramics given by Henry Rothschild, and in 2019 more than 500 pieces from the collection of John Christian were added. The gallery is managed by North East Museums on behalf of Gateshead Council.

Highlights

• Dutch and Flemish paintings from Joseph Shipley's collection
• Designated collection of contemporary craft and design
• Henry Rothschild studio ceramics study centre
• The Blaydon Races by William Irving
• Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet, attributed to Tintoretto
• Sensory Space, a quiet room for neurodivergent visitors

Permanent exhibitions

• Designs for Life – A gallery of craft and design, with films exploring artists and their techniques.
• Henry Rothschild ceramics study centre – A study centre devoted to more than 300 works of British studio ceramics from Henry Rothschild's own collection.

Founded

1917

Operated by

North East Museums (for Gateshead Council)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free for everyone; donations are welcome and no booking is needed.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The gallery is on one level. The front entrance has four steps, but a 10 metre ramp at the side leads to an automatic door to the reception, shop and galleries. A manual wheelchair can be borrowed at reception free of charge. The lower ground floor can be reached by stairs or by a route around the side of the building for wheelchair users. Seating is available in each gallery. Accessible toilets with baby changing are on the ground floor; the nearest Changing Places toilet is at Saltwell Park Play Area, about 10 minutes away. There are three Blue Badge spaces at the gallery. There are no induction loops or audio guides, although a temporary loop can be arranged in advance. Large-print guides for the Designs for Life gallery, braille text on request and handling sessions on request are available. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Entry is free. The gallery runs creative workshops and seasonal activities for children, and there are computer interactives and films in the galleries. Baby changing is in both accessible toilets and breastfeeding is welcome throughout.

Getting there & parking

The gallery is off the A167 into Newcastle, close to Gateshead Central Library. Up to three children aged 11 and under travel free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

There is no café. The gift shop at the entrance sells gifts, books and jewellery.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit