Gateshead's history showcased through 100 objects at new exhibition
A new exhibition showcasing 100 years of Gateshead's history through 100 objects has opened at Gateshead Central Library. The fascinating display is part of Gateshead Council's celebrations to mark the beloved library's 100th birthday this year.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the exhibition includes film footage, photographs, objects, illustrations and documents portraying key moments in the borough's history. Residents can expect to get a glimpse of rarely seen treasures covering the General Strike, Second World War, opening of the Metrocentre, the Garden Festival, building of Angel of the North and much more.
One item in particular that's tipped to capture visitors' imaginations is the original recording of King George V's speech at the opening of the Tyne Bridge in 1928, during which he hails the engineering skills of local people. It's one of the oldest sound recordings held by the library.
Rachel Ridley, Service Manager for Libraries and Heritage, shared: "Our borough has such a fascinating past. Through this exhibition, residents will be able to learn more about the moments that have made Gateshead the place it is today and keep this knowledge alive for future generations.
"This is just one part of our celebrations we're hosting to mark 100 years of Gateshead Central Library. I would encourage residents to check out the entire programme, get involved and become part of the library's history."
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Over the last 100 years, Gateshead Central Library has seen many key heritage moments take place in its home borough that resonate across the whole of the UK. We are thrilled that thanks to National Lottery players we can support this exhibition sharing this amazing history for local communities and visitors from further afield."
The team behind Gateshead Libraries have been busy curating the showcase from materials within the Gateshead Archive and will continue to source items from their collection over the course of 2026. They have also worked alongside local partners to ensure all the communities who make up the fabric of the borough are featured.
New finds will be regularly added to the display throughout the year before the exhibition ends in December 2026.
As well as offering residents the chance to learn more about the borough they call home, the funding for the exhibition means any featured items in need of conservation will be expertly preserved, so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Beyond the library's centenary year, the new permanent exhibition space will feature regular displays showcasing new and interesting material from the Gateshead Archive.
More about Gateshead Central Library's centenary celebrations
A new exhibition showcasing 100 years of Gateshead's history through 100 objects has opened at Gateshead Central Library. The fascinating display is part of Gateshead Council's celebrations to mark the beloved library's 100th birthday this year.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the exhibition includes film footage, photographs, objects, illustrations and documents portraying key moments in the borough's history. Residents can expect to get a glimpse of rarely seen treasures covering the General Strike, Second World War, opening of the Metrocentre, the Garden Festival, building of Angel of the North and much more.
One item in particular that's tipped to capture visitors' imaginations is the original recording of King George V's speech at the opening of the Tyne Bridge in 1928, during which he hails the engineering skills of local people. It's one of the oldest sound recordings held by the library.
Rachel Ridley, Service Manager for Libraries and Heritage, shared: "Our borough has such a fascinating past. Through this exhibition, residents will be able to learn more about the moments that have made Gateshead the place it is today and keep this knowledge alive for future generations.
"This is just one part of our celebrations we're hosting to mark 100 years of Gateshead Central Library. I would encourage residents to check out the entire programme, get involved and become part of the library's history."
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Over the last 100 years, Gateshead Central Library has seen many key heritage moments take place in its home borough that resonate across the whole of the UK. We are thrilled that thanks to National Lottery players we can support this exhibition sharing this amazing history for local communities and visitors from further afield."
The team behind Gateshead Libraries have been busy curating the showcase from materials within the Gateshead Archive and will continue to source items from their collection over the course of 2026. They have also worked alongside local partners to ensure all the communities who make up the fabric of the borough are featured.
New finds will be regularly added to the display throughout the year before the exhibition ends in December 2026.
As well as offering residents the chance to learn more about the borough they call home, the funding for the exhibition means any featured items in need of conservation will be expertly preserved, so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Beyond the library's centenary year, the new permanent exhibition space will feature regular displays showcasing new and interesting material from the Gateshead Archive.
More about Gateshead Central Library's centenary celebrations
