New exhibition opens at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
Discover the stories behind the newly restored artworks at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, The Art of Conservation.
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is proud to announce the launch of The Art of Conservation, a fascinating new exhibition which offers visitors the chance to explore the process of art conservation.
Opening on Saturday 19 July, this exhibition showcases a selection of artworks from the South Shields collection that have recently undergone specialist conservation treatment. Many of the artworks have never been displayed publicly before or have not been on display in several years.
A highlight of the conservation work is the transformation of Henry Thomas Schafer’s painting, Feeding the Pigeons, 1887, which has undergone an extensive cleaning process to remove layers of discoloured varnish and surface grime.
This careful restoration has revealed the painting’s original vibrancy and fine details that had long been hidden, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the artist’s skill and the painting’s historical context.
Ana Flynn-Young, Head of Painting Conservation, North East Museums, remarked:
“There is nothing more satisfying than walking through a gallery and seeing all the paintings that I have worked on and knowing I have made a difference. That a painting that was consigned to the stores as un-displayable now has its day to shine in the gallery, to share its story.”
Museum visitors will be able to view before and after images of artworks, learn about the challenges faced during restoration, and appreciate the skill and care that goes into every conservation project.
Visitors will not only see the brilliant results of the museum team’s conservation work but can also gain an insight into the step-by-step process behind preserving artworks.
This exhibition is a brilliant opportunity for the public to explore the world of conservation and discover how art is preserved and protected.
Visitors can see the exhibition at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday 19 July until Saturday 6 December 2025.
