Exhibition: Shipyard Faces and Intriguing Spaces

Tyneside 'shipyard' painter launches exhibition in North Shields which features 50 years of his work. He talks to Tony Henderson

Newcastle Central Station by Peter Burns

It is said that throughout the ages only the wealthy or powerful had their portraits painted.

But shipyard worker Tommy and his cat Tiger bucked the trend thanks to artist Peter Burns.

Peter painted Tommy at the Wallsend Swan Hunter yard where they both worked – Peter as a plater and Tommy as a general labourer.

At 5…