THE WORD

THE WORD IS HALDANE

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Former Shields Gazette graphic artist David Haldane established himself as one of the top cartoonists in the world. Blyth born David, now 70, worked for the Gazette from 1977 to 1983, he currently creates cartoons for The Observer and Private Eye and had his work regularly produced in Punch, The Express, Mirror, Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail and the Sunday Times. He also contributed sketches to the original TV series Spitting Image.

However, it is for producing cartoons for The Times from 2005 until 2017 that David made his mark, transforming him into one of the best cartoonists in the world.

South Shields playwright Ed Waugh has been asked to host an evening in conversation with David at The Word in South Shields on Wednesday September 24th at 1pm. He said:  “I’ve known David for 20 years or so and he’s both very sharp and very funny. You have to be to create top-class satirical cartoons every day, often at very short notice, for national newspaper front pages.”

He added: “David’s career stories are both deep and hilarious. It will be a fantastic event for people who want a laugh and those who want to find out about some of the stories behind the many thousands of tremendous cartoons David has created and had published.”  

The event follows his sold-out illustrated talks at the prestigious Lit & Phil in Newcastle and Blyth Library. The talk on Wednesday, September 24 at 1pm is part of The Word’s WRITE Festival. 

Tickets for In Conversation With David Haldane at The Word cost only £3 and can be bought on line >>> https://theworduk.org/whats-on/top-cartoonist-david-haldane-in-conversation-with-ed-waugh/ or via (0191) 4271818.

Link to previous interview with David in June 2025 >>>

COMIC STRIP PRESENTS Northumberland cartoonist David Haldane | ALIKIVI : NORTH EAST UK CULTURE 

PHOTO ARCHIVE: CHANGING FACE of SOUTH TYNESIDE 2010-20

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Search the Alikivi photo archive on South Tyneside History website for nearly 2,000 images including Haven Point, Mill Dam, The Word, Seafront, Holborn, Market, North Marine Park & more of the changing face of South Tyneside 2010-20.

pic. taken August 2015 of The Word library being built in the market, South Shields.

ALIKIVI COLLECTION – South Tyneside Libraries (southtynesidehistory.co.uk)

Alikivi 2022.

HELLO TOMORROW: Changing Face of South Shields in photographs (3)

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For the past 10 years I’ve set myself a documentary project capturing the changing face of South Shields. Included are a small selection of the photographs.

February 2013
March 2013

This is Harton Quay next to the river Tyne, the ferry landing, the BT building and The Customs House theatre & arts venue. It’s also next to The Word and the Market, two area’s that have benefited from the 365 Town Centre Vision regeneration. Following posts will feature other area’s of the town.

May 2013
April 2013

In 2013 South Tyneside Council proposed a very bold £100 million regeneration project for the town, and public consultations were held. Progress on different phases of the regeneration is ongoing as more developments are planned.

April 2013
October 2013

So far the council have delivered – Hello Tomorrow is not just a slogan on the posters.

Gary Alikivi  April 2020.

HELLO TOMORROW: Changing Face of South Shields in photographs (2)

/ Alikivi

For the past 10 years I’ve set myself a documentary project capturing the changing face of South Shields. Included are a small selection of the photographs. This is the 250 year old market at the top of King Street and next to The Word featured on the last post. Following posts will include other area’s of the town.

August 2015
August 2015

In 2013 South Tyneside Council proposed a very bold £100 million regeneration project for the town, and public consultations were held. Progress on different phases of the regeneration is ongoing as more developments are planned.

August 2015
September 2015

So far the council have delivered – Hello Tomorrow is not just a slogan on the posters.

October 2015
November 2015

Gary Alikivi  April 2020.

HELLO TOMORROW: Changing Face of South Shields in photographs (1)

/ Alikivi

For the past 10 years I’ve set myself a documentary project capturing the changing face of South Shields. Included are a small selection of the photographs. These are from The Word which replaced the town centre public library. Following posts will feature other area’s of the town.

April 2015
August 2015
August 2015

In 2013 South Tyneside Council proposed a very bold £100 million regeneration project for the town, the 365 Town Centre Vision, and public consultations were held. Progress on different phases of the regeneration is ongoing as more developments are planned.

September 2015
September 2015.
March 2016

So far the council have delivered – Hello Tomorrow is not just a slogan on the posters.

The Word, National Centre for the Written Word. October 2016

Alikivi  April 2020.