Fishermen

This collection of photographs were taken at the port of North Shields on the River Tyne in 1979/80. At that time the port and the Fish Quay were flourishing. Most of the trawlers concentrated on fishing no more than a day’s sail from the port. The boats were crewed by 3 or 4 men, and the work was a mixture of extreme physical work, and gentle tedium. The catch was high quality and in a small way regularly prolific. On shore there was a thriving fish market, ice factory, and frozen food plant. A secure community centred on a long established tradition and culture. Within twelve years it was gone.

Celebrated in photographs ­ Fishermen