From shipbuilding to cinemas, from trams to gramophones, ballroom dancing to the Queen’s Coronation. Wallsend’s rich history is being brought to life on shop shutters displaying photos of the town’s past.
The first Wallsend shutters were unveiled during Local History Week in 2024, and the scheme has since been extended to include 18 shops around the town centre.
They are designed to brighten up the High Street when the shops are shut, while celebrating the heritage of the town and its people. Wallsend Local History Society provided most of the photos, along with historical notes to accompany each one.
A self-guided walk around Wallsend Town Centre allows people to take in some of the highlights, with full details below and a map available here.
The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Towns and High Streets Innovation Programme, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.
Thanks to Wallsend Local History Society, Wallsend Memorial Hall, Richardson Dees School and Move It Studios for providing the photos.
Wallsend Historic Shutters Walking Tour – follow the map here. Search Ambition for Wallsend on Facebook to find a video tour of the shutters, or watch it here.
Shop 1: Lou’s Barberchop
15 Station Rd, Wallsend NE28 6HD
Image Description: Workforce leaving Swan Hunter's Yard.
Historical Note: Wallsend has a rich history in shipbuilding, with Swan Hunter being one of its most iconic shipyards. Established in 1880, Swan Hunter played a pivotal role in the shipbuilding industry, producing some of the most famous ships of the 20th century. The workforce at Swan Hunter was renowned for their craftsmanship and dedication, contributing significantly to Wallsend’s reputation as a major industrial hub.
Shop 2: Craig’s Barbers
86 Station Rd, Wallsend NE28 6TD
Image Description: A large ship being built at Swan Hunter's Yard.
Historical Note: Swan Hunter was responsible for building many notable ships. Among them was the RMS Mauretania, which held the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing for 22 years. Another famous ship was HMS Ark Royal, an aircraft carrier that played a crucial role during World War II. Swan Hunter’s legacy is marked by these and many other significant vessels that served in both commercial and military capacities.
Shop 3: Travelability UK Ltd
124 Station Rd, Wallsend
Image Description: Station Rd with a Picture House where the Anson Pub now stands.
Historical Note: Station Road was once home to a bustling Picture House, reflecting the vibrant social life of Wallsend. This cinema was a popular spot for entertainment before being replaced by the Anson Pub. The transformation of this site mirrors the broader changes in Wallsend’s urban landscape, shifting from entertainment venues to social hubs over the decades.
4. The Wallsend Memorial Hall
10 Frank St, Wallsend NE28 6RN
Image description: Four young girls dressed up for a dancing competition at Wallsend Memorial Hall in the 1960s, in white dresses with sashes and bows, flowers in their hair. Historical note: Wallsend Memorial Hall was opened in 1925 and contained a “lavish” ballroom on the first-floor, still a centrepiece of the building, which could accommodate an audience of 1,200.
The building quickly became a focal centre for many activities in Wallsend, winning the hearts of its residents. It is still known locally as 'The Mem'.
The original roof of The Mem was a stunning, fully glazed arched construct, but unfortunately had to be boarded over in c1941 to protect it from enemy bombing.
In the 1950s The Mem was allegedly the venue for the first rock and roll dances in the region. It now hosts a variety of functions and events, as well as a café and serviced offices for local community groups and businesses.
Shop 5: Lily’s Locks
104 High St West NE28 8HY
Image Description: Old Wallsend looking very different to today.
Historical Note: Old Wallsend was a quaint and bustling town with narrow streets and traditional buildings, quite different from the modern town centre we see today. The transformation over the years has seen a blend of old and new architecture, reflecting the town's evolution while still maintaining its historical roots. Walking through High Street West, one can still sense the echoes of Wallsend’s rich past amid the contemporary setting.
Shop 6: Dolls House Of Hair & Beauty
16 High St E, Wallsend NE28 8PQ
Image Description: Old Wallsend with trams travelling through the town.
Historical Note: The image of trams traveling through old Wallsend is a fascinating glimpse into the town's past. Trams were once a common sight, providing essential transportation for residents and contributing to the bustling activity of the high street. The tram system connected Wallsend with surrounding areas, making it easier for people to commute and conduct business. This image highlights the changes in transportation and infrastructure that have shaped the town over the years.
Shop 7: Tom Owen’s Floristry
48 High St, Wallsend NE28 8PQ
Image description: Wallsend High Street as it used to be in the 1930s.
Historical Note: Tom Owens is a family-run business with deep roots in Wallsend. Established many decades ago, the business has been passed down through generations, maintaining a tradition of quality service and community spirit. Family-run shops like Tom Owens are a testament to the enduring entrepreneurial spirit of Wallsend’s residents, contributing to the town’s unique character and charm.
Shop 8: Eclipse Prom Shop
112 High St E, Wallsend
Image Description: Mr. Dodds' gramophone shop and a happy couple who got married in Wallsend.
Historical Note: Mr. Dodds’ gramophone shop was a beloved fixture in Wallsend, offering the latest in music and technology of the time. It was a place where locals could discover new music and enjoy the sounds of the era. The image of a happy couple who got married in Wallsend highlights the town’s role as a backdrop for countless personal stories and milestones, reflecting the rich tapestry of community life.
Shop 9: Tyne Events
215 High St E, Wallsend NE28 7RS
Image Description: Wallsend Town Hall decorated for Queen Elizabeth's coronation.
Historical Note: Wallsend Town Hall, adorned for Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953, was a focal point of civic pride and celebration. The coronation was a momentous occasion, and the town hall, beautifully decorated, hosted community gatherings and festivities. This image captures a significant historical event and the sense of unity and national pride felt throughout Wallsend during that time.