In an upcoming exhibition, the Globe Gallery will honour William Harbutt, the North Shields-born inventor of Plasticine. Opening on 23 October 2025, this community-led project – funded by Historic England as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations – features a collaborative mural composed of Plasticine postcards. The postcards were crafted by participants during a series of hands-on workshops led by artist-in-residence Kitty McKay.
Over the summer, locals gathered at the gallery on Howard Street to ‘paint with Plasticine’, weaving personal stories of heritage and home into a vibrant work of art. The result is a stunning mural that bridges generations and celebrates North Shields’ past and present.
William Harbutt’s legacy
William Harbutt was born in North Shields in 1844. He trained as an artist before establishing himself as a teacher and innovator. He later became head of Bath School of Art and Design. While there, he invented a non-drying modelling clay, designed to aid his students’ creativity, without the mess and fragility of traditional materials. This invention revolutionised art education and became a household staple: Plasticine. Yet Harbutt’s North Shields origins are often overlooked, making this project a timely tribute to his legacy.
Community engagement
The Globe Gallery’s commitment to community arts shines through in this project. Artist-in-residence Kitty McKay, who is known for her distinctive ‘Painting with Plasticine’ technique, led workshops starting in July 2025, inspired by Harbutt’s educational ethos.
Participants of all ages, from families to history enthusiasts, mould and shape Plasticine postcards depicting local landmarks like the now-demolished Hawkeys Lane Swimming Pool. Jen St Jacques, a work coach at Journey Enterprises, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, shared, “The clients I work with have enjoyed the workshops and actively contributing to the final mural while learning more about North Shields heritage. I think this project epitomises the accessibility of art. We are all so excited to see the outcome of Kitty’s overall vision and are proud to have contributed to it.” The sessions sparked storytelling, with participants sharing memories that shaped the mural’s vibrant mosaic.
Globe Gallery director Rashida Davison noted in recent promotions, that this project embodies the gallery’s mission to make heritage accessible and interactive. The mural transforms the gallery into a living canvas of collective memory, showcasing the power of community heritage.
Save the date
The exhibition opens on 23 October 2025 at the Globe Gallery at 97 Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1AR. Visitors should check the gallery’s website for details and special events.
The centrepiece is the large-scale mural of hundreds of postcards made by workshop participants. Free to visit, the show runs through autumn, inviting everyone to explore the town’s history in Harbutt’s tactile medium.
Lasting tribute
As North Shields marks its 800th year, this exhibition celebrates to the town’s resilience and creativity. It’s a fitting homage to William Harbutt, inviting everyone to mould their own piece of history at the Globe Gallery.
