In recent times, this monumental North East landmark has been home to a choreographed laser display to bring in the New Year. 
This painting is my take on the classic Tyne Bridge shot capturing the light, movement and vivid colours of this spectacular event.
 
 
History of the Tyne Bridge (source Newcastle Council)
 
One of seven road bridges crossing the River Tyne, the Grade II* listed bridge was officially opened on 10 October 1928 by King George V and has since become a defining symbol of the North East.
 
At the time of its construction, the Tyne Bridge was the world’s longest span bridge.
 
Construction of the bridge started in August 1925 using shipbuilding techniques by local shipyard workers and was regarded as a prototype for the construction of Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was completed four years later (although work started first on Sydney Harbour Bridge).
 
It had the same design team as Sydney Harbour Bridge.
On that design team was the first woman to gain entry to the Institute of Civil Engineers (in 1927) Dorothy Buchanan of Langholm, Dumfriesshire.
 
One worker died. Nathaniel Collins, a 33-year-old scaffolder from South Shields, fell from bridge on 18 February 1928.
 
The arch of the bridge was built simultaneously from each bank. When they were 9inches apart special jacking apparatus pushed the two halves together then they were riveted into place.
 
Nowadays over 70,000 vehicles use the bridge each day as it’s one of the busiest routes into and out of Newcastle – which is the only local authority area in the North East that attracts more trips every day than it exports.
 
The Tyne Bridge is also a key part of the annual great North Run as 54,000 runners pass over the bridge accompanied by a display from the Red Arrows.
 
On its 90th birthday, over 90 female engineers from across the country gathered in Newcastle to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Tyne Bridge, and the female engineer behind the design.
 
The bridge is also used as part of city dressing for large events including 2012 Olympics, 2015 Rugby World Cup and more recently, 2019 European Rugby Finals.