King Edward Primary pupils celebrate 800 years of North Shields through art
An inspiring new exhibition from King Edward Primary School in Tynemouth marks the 800th anniversary of North Shields, celebrating the town’s proud heritage through the eyes of its youngest residents.
As part of the North Shields 800 celebrations, pupils from Nursery to Year 6 explored the town’s rich history – researching local landmarks, charting how the landscape has changed over time, and honouring local heroes both past and present. The resulting artworks are a vibrant tribute to the town’s maritime, mining, railway, and industrial past, as well as its dynamic community today.
The school, based in the heart of North Shields, has used this creative project to strengthen connections between children and their local heritage. Their work captures the pride and identity of a town with a deep-rooted and evolving story.
Lucy Laidler, King Edward’s assistant headteacher, said: “We are so proud of the effort and interest our children have shown in this fabulous heritage project.
“The outcomes are incredible, but the entire project has brought the rich history of North Shields alive for the whole school community, and we are grateful to have been part of it.”
The exhibition has been organised by Northumbria Healthcare’s Bright Charity as part of its award-winning Healing Arts Programme, which brings creativity into NHS settings to enhance the environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Katie Dawson, Bright’s healing arts programme manager, said: “It’s been such a special year with the North Shields 800th anniversary, and we are delighted to show this exhibition at the hospital.
“The artwork is creating lots of interest and bringing much pleasure to our patients and staff. It’s lovely to see the heritage of North Shields celebrated, and the artwork is of such a high standard. Well done to the talented young artists involved.”
The exhibition can be viewed at North Tyneside General Hospital, near the main entrance in the corridor behind Harry’s Café.
North Shields 800 is a year-long programme of events celebrating the town’s historic milestone and promoting it as a thriving centre for arts and culture. To find out more, visit: www.northshields800.com
