University Hospitals Tees’ arts council is proud to support region-wide celebrations with the unveiling of a special replica painting commemorating the opening of the Stockton to Darlington railway 200 years ago.
The striking image painted by John Dobbin, is being exhibited in the University Hospital of North Tees and depicts the opening of the world’s first passenger railway line – the Stockton to Darlington Railway – on 27 September 1825.
John Dobbin (1815 – 1888) was commissioned to recreate this important part of the region’s social, industrial and cultural history for the 50th anniversary of the lines opening in 1875. The painting first exhibited at a Conversazione held in Central Hall, Darlington in 1875.
The artist was a child when the railway opened in 1825 and he painted this scene from memory. It is widely believed that John Dobbin painted himself as a young boy into the picture and can be seen in the bottom left of the painting holding a toy ship on a string.
Dr Jean MacLeod, lead medical examiner and chair of the arts council at University Hospitals Tees said: “We are pleased to be involved in supporting the anniversary celebrations and to be chosen to display a print of the Dobbin artwork.
“The birth of the railway is an important moment in history and the North East played an important part in the monumental progress that rail travel brought to the country and the world. The North East has a rich heritage and it’s great to be able to display a painting commemorating the opening of the Stockton to Darlington railway on our walls for patients and visitors to appreciate.”
The trusts display is in partnership with Hopetown Darlington, a new £35million visitor attraction celebrating 200 years of railway history. The new museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and celebrating its significance on a global scale.
The Dobbin image will remain on display to the end of 2025 – allowing staff, patients and visitors to reflect on the regions proud heritage and the journey from horses to high-speed rail.
Find out what’s on
Keep track of celebration events going on across the North East: www.sdr200.co.uk