Photographs telling the story of North Shields’ fishing industry over the past decade are going on display as part of the town’s 800th anniversary celebrations.
The Harvest from the Deep exhibition is the work of North Shields-based Pete Robinson of Eye of the Tyne Photography, who has spent many years building relationships with the town’s fishing community. He has captured around 10,000 images of fishermen out at sea and on the quay, following the process from the boats leaving port through to the fishmonger’s counter.
The photographs, taken in both black and white and colour, capture the long hours, tough conditions, close working relationships and love of working at sea.
The exhibition will be held from 22 July to 30 August on the top floor of the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, with panoramic views of the Fish Quay and the mouth of the Tyne, with an opening evening on 22 July including live music and refreshments.
To accompany the exhibition, Pete Robinson is self-publishing a photo book with an initial print run of 100 copies. All proceeds will be donated to Fishermen’s Mission in North Shields and The Old Low Light Heritage Centre, where the book will be on sale. Copies will also be available in North Shields Library and at local bookshops.
Pete said: “Photographing the North Shields fishing industry has been an absolute labour of love for me over the past 10 years, and I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the fishing community.
“Instead of presenting the photos in date order, I’m using them to tell a story, starting with the boats heading out, then hauling in the catch, landing it, the workers at the prawn processing factory, the sales at the fishmarket, and following it right through to the fishmongers. It’s a photographic narrative.
“This has always been a long-term project for me, and I want to continue after I share this exhibition. I’m delighted to have received funding from North Shields Cultural Quarter – it’s meant that I can price the book with 100 images at just £10. I really want the people who are in the book to be able to afford it.”
We have one copy of Pete Robinson’s book Harvest from the Deep to give away!
For your chance to win a copy, click below and complete the competition form by Monday, 11 August.
