Fish Quay landmark captured on canvas

A North East artist known for capturing the character of regional streets and coastal communities has unveiled a new commission celebrating one of North Shields’ most recognisable waterfront buildings.

Anthony Downie has created a bespoke artwork for Union Quay Dental, based inside the historic Richard Irvin Building on the Fish Quay.

The acrylic-on-ply painting, pictured below, produced in Anthony’s signature blue, orange and yellow palette, now features in the practice’s newly refurbished entrance hall as part of a wider renovation project.

Anthony, who was selected as one of the artists for the North Shields 800 mural trail last year, has become known for his bold interpretations of North East street scenes inspired by local light, architecture and nostalgia.

He said: “People tell me the paintings feel familiar because these kinds of scenes exist all across the North.

“They’re inspired by real places, but I change elements within them – moving windows, adding doorways or altering details – so there’s a slightly dreamlike quality to them too.”

The commission comes during a busy period for the 38-year-old artist, whose work will also feature in a large-scale installation at The Bridge Gallery above Tynemouth Metro Station later this month in partnership with Globe Gallery and North Tyneside Art Studio.

After returning to the North East in 2017, Anthony worked on theatre set projects with local arts collective Nowt Special before developing his distinctive painting style in 2022.

His work has previously been exhibited at Republic Gallery in Blyth and is currently on display at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle.

Anthony added: “It was great to be asked by Jarlath and Jamie to paint the old Richard Irvin Building, an excellent piece of architecture that has watched over the Fish Quay for so long and is now home to Union Quay Dental. 

“The Fish Quay has been quite a big part of my life, from exploring many of the abandoned and unused buildings there during my teenage years – including the Richard Irvin Building – to captaining the darts team at the Low Lights Tavern about 15 years ago, to now exploring it more conventionally with my children, playing on the beaches and eating fish and chips.”

Jamie Dury, co-owner and principal dentist at Union Quay Dental, added: “We wanted the refurbishment to reflect the character and heritage of the Fish Quay and support somebody creating work inspired by the local community. 

“Anthony’s artwork felt like the perfect fit for the building and the area we’re proud to be part of.” 

Jarlath McAteer, co-owner and principal dentist at Union Quay Dental, added: “There’s something special about seeing a historic building like the Richard Irvin Building reinterpreted through the eyes of a local artist who has his own history and memories connected to the Fish Quay. 

“Anthony’s work brings warmth, character and a real sense of place to the practice.”

To see more of Anthony’s work, see his website or Instagram page.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.