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A debate in the engine room during speed trials of the tanker ?Galeomma?, built by J.L. Thompson & Sons, North Sands, Sunderland, May 1946 (TWAM ref. DS.JLT/4/PH/1/643/1/6). This set celebrates the achievements of the famous Sunderland shipbuilding firm Joseph L. Thompson & Sons. The company?s origins date back to 1846 when the firm was known as Robert Thompson & Sons. Robert Thompson senior died in 1860, leaving his second son Joseph Lowes Thompson in control. In 1870 the shipyard completed its last wooden vessel and was then adapted for iron shipbuilding. By 1880 the firm had expanded its operations over much of North Sands and in 1884 completed the construction of Manor Quay, which served as fitting out and repair facilities. For many years in the late nineteenth century the yard was the most productive in Sunderland and in 1894 had the fourth largest output of any shipyard in the world. The Depression affected the firm severely in the early 1930s and no vessels were launched from 1931 to 1934. However, during those years the company developed a hull design giving greater efficiency and economy in service. During the Second World War the prototype developed by Joseph L. Thompson & Sons proved so popular that it was used by the US Government as the basis of over 2,700 Liberty ships built at American shipyards between 1942 and 1945. After the War the North Sands shipyard went on to build many fine cargo ships, oil tankers and bulk carriers. Sadly the shipyard closed in 1979, although it briefly reopened in 1986 to construct the crane barge ITM Challenger. (Copyright) We're happy for you to share these digital images within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk

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The crew's messroom on 'Nicola'

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View of crew?s messroom on ?Nicola? the first SD14 to be built by Austin & Pickersgill at the Southwick shipyard, Sunderland (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/4/3732R). This set celebrates the ?Nicola?, the first in a long line of standard ships designed by the Sunderland shipyard of Austin & Pickersgill Ltd. The images document her construction from October 1967 through to her completion in February 1968. The shipbuilders commissioned the Newcastle-based firm Turners (Photography) Ltd to take weekly progress shots of the ?Nicola? and these images have given us a unique view of her development. She was the first SD14 to be completed (the name stands for ?Shelter Deck 14,000 tons deadweight?) and was designed as a replacement for the surviving ?Liberty ships?, built by American yards during the Second World War. Those Liberty ships had played a vital role in the Allied victory but by the 1960s they were fast approaching the end of their working lives. The SD14 developed by Austin & Pickersgill met the demand for economic and reliable cargo ships. The simplicity of the design meant that it could be marketed by the shipbuilders at a very competitive price. It?s success is reflected by the fact that over the course of 20 years 211 ships were built to the SD14 design by Austin Pickersgill and its licensees. Sunderland can be very proud of its remarkable shipbuilding and engineering history and the SD14 is one the City?s finest achievements. (Copyright) We're happy for you to share these digital images within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk

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On the bridge of 'Naess Crusader'

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View inside bridge on ?Naess Crusader?, 4 June 1973 (TWAM ref. DT.TUR/2/61732C). These photographs were taken by the Newcastle-based firm Turners (Photography) Ltd. They celebrate the construction of the OBO (oil/bulk/ore) carrier ?Naess Crusader?, covering the early stages in January 1972 through her launch on 21 December 1972 to her completion and sea trials in July 1973. ?Naess Crusader? and her sister ship ?Nordic Chieftain? were built by Sunderland Shipbuilders Ltd at the firm?s North Sands Shipyard for Anglo Eastern Bulkships Ltd. They were the largest ships ever built on the River Wear. The memory of ?Naess Crusader? is integral to the Sunderland Keel Line, a new public artwork, opened in 2015, which celebrates the City?s shipbuilding heritage. The Keel Line is 291.7 metres long and that distance was chosen because it represents the full length of ?Naess Crusader?. This album is a reminder of Sunderland?s proud industrial heritage and a tribute to the skill and dedication of her shipyard workers. (Copyright) We're happy for you to share this digital image within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk.

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Engine room of the cargo ship 'Empire Ruskin'

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View inside the engine room of the cargo ship ?Empire Ruskin?, 1942 (TWAM ref. 1061/1044). She was launched at the shipyard of John Readhead & Sons Ltd, South Shields on 14 July 1942. This set celebrates the achievements of the shipyard of John Readhead & Sons. The firm has played a significant role in the North East?s illustrious shipbuilding history and the development of South Shields. The company began in 1865 when John Readhead, a shipyard manager, entered into business with J Softley at a small yard on the Lawe at South Shields. Following the dissolution of the partnership in 1872, it continued as John Readhead & Co on the same site until 1880 when the High West Yard was purchased. After Readhead?s four sons were taken into the business in 1888 the company traded as John Readhead & Sons becoming a limited company in 1908. In 1968 the company was absorbed by the Swan Hunter Group and in 1977 became part of the nationalised British Shipbuilders. In the same year the last vessel was launched and the site was sold off in 1984. Readheads was prolific and built over 600 ships from 1865 to 1968, including 87 vessels for the Hain Steamship Company Ltd and over forty for the Strick Line Ltd. The shipyard also built four ships for the Prince Line, founded by Sir James Knott. The firm built vessels, which were involved in the major conflicts of the Twentieth Century. During the First World War they built patrol vessels and ?x? lighters (motor landing craft used in the Gallipoli campaign) for the Admiralty. During the Second World War the firm built tankers for the Normandy Landings. (Copyright) We're happy for you to share this digital image within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk.

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Dining saloon on the ocean liner 'Mauretania'

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General view of the upper and lower dining saloon of the great ocean liner 'Mauretania', 1907 (TWAM ref. DS.SWH/4/PH/7/6/16). The 'Mauretania' was one of the most famous ships ever built on Tyneside. (Copyright) We're happy for you to share this digital image within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk. To purchase a hi-res copy please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk quoting the title and reference number.

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