TW429380 The Opening of Sunderland South Docks, 20 June, 1850 (oil on canvas) by Carmichael, John Wilson (1800-68); 102.5x163 cm; Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Tyne & Wear, UK; (add.info.: The opening of the massive South Dock on 20th June 1850 was a major event in the history of Sunderland. George Hudson (the \'Railway King\') had a leading part in the development of the South Dock. He is shown raising his hat, highlighted by a cloud of steam from a nearby ship. The celebrations were watched by the shareholders of the Sunderland Dock Company and the River Wear Commissioners. Music was supplied by the Marquess of Londonderry\'s band. The Dock was built to combat the difficulties of the shallow and narrow River Wear;); 穢 Sunderland Museums ; English, out of copyright.