TW429337 Opening of Sunderland South Docks, 1850 (oil on canvas) by Thompson, Mark (1812-1875); 226.5x165.2 cm; Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Tyne & Wear, UK; (add.info.: This large and elaborate picture shows the opening of Sunderland South Docks on June 20th 1850. Fifty thousand spectators gathered, and canons were fired. There was also a water procession with bands and banners. In this picture, ships are waiting to load coal from the staiths on the left. Sunderland\'s ceremonial barge, with a cabin decorated in gold and red, is in the middle front of the harbour. Mark Thompson was a Wearside artist who made his name painting local harbour and dock scenes such as this;); 穢 Sunderland Museums ; British, out of copyright.