This was made possible by a bequest from wealthy local solicitor and art collector, Joseph Ainsley Davidson Shipley (1822–1909).

On his death, Shipley left £30,000 and all his pictures to the City of Newcastle, which was to build a new gallery to house the collection.

The gallery holds a strong collection of 16th- and 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings, as well as 19th-century British works, watercolours, prints, drawings and sculpture.

[8] Also featured are items of local interest, which include the popular painting by William C. Irving ((1866–1943) of "Blaydon Races" (1903)[9] and a 1970 street scene of Redheugh Crossroads by Gateshead-born Charlie Rogers.

It has built up one of the best collections outside London, which includes ceramics, wood, metal, glass, textiles and furniture.

The Gallery also hosts a varied programme of temporary exhibitions and has a strong partnership with the V&A Museum in London.

The Shipley Art Gallery is managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on behalf of Gateshead Council.