Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

The Fine and Decorative Arts, Natural Sciences, and Science and Technology Collections at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums are Designated Collections of national importance.

This is a major museum service which manages two World Heritage Sites and 8 museums and galleries. The Designated science and technology collection includes important material relating to marine engineering, such as Turbinia, the world's first vessel driven by steam turbine. The collections relating to coal mining, railways and mechanical engineering are also strong. The Designated decorative and fine arts collections feature significant holdings of Newcastle silver, contemporary craft and Sunderland glass, including the exquisite Londonderry Dinner Service, as well as paintings by artists such as Lowry and Burne-Jones. The large and diverse Designated natural science collections include the work of John Hancock and Thomas Bewick.

Key artists and exhibits

• Designated Collection