Hanging proudly above a fireplace in 10 Downing Street is a striking painting of the world-famous Tyne Bridge during its construction almost a century ago.

Produced by artist Edward Dickey in 1928, the eye-catching artwork depicts the two separate sides of the bridge’s arch stretching out from either side of the river as Tyneside’s most recognisable landmark took shape.

It is a remarkable scene and one to invoke awe among those who would struggle to imagine the Newcastle skyline without the Tyne Bridge.

As one of nine treasures from the Laing Art Gallery that will be on display for the next year in the Prime Minister’s residence, it will now be seen by ministers, top civil servants, and world leaders alike.

The Northern Echo: The iconic Tyne Bridge on the River Tyne between Newcastle and Gateshead which is in an alarming state, covered in rust patches and grafittiThe iconic Tyne Bridge on the River Tyne between Newcastle and Gateshead which is in an alarming state, covered in rust patches and grafitti (Image: NCJ MEDIA)

The opportunity for those who make their way through Number 10’s corridors of power to reflect on the engineering might that produced this North East icon could hardly be more timely.

It may serve as a reminder to Rishi Sunak and his cabinet, if one were needed, that the Tyne Bridge is now in desperate need of repair – and that the Government is yet to hand over tens of millions of pounds that have been promised to restore it to its former glory.

In the civic centres of Gateshead and Newcastle, local leaders continue to wait anxiously for the arrival of money that will allow them to at last press ahead with a huge refurbishment of the grade II* listed structure.

While initial works have already started and some scaffolding has been erected around the south side of the bridge, the bulk of the enormous maintenance project cannot start until funding first pledged by the Government in 2022 is delivered.

The Department for Transport said in June of that year, after heavy local campaigning, that it would put £35.3m into upgrades on both the bridge and the Central Motorway – and it was also announced recently, after the scrapping of HS2’s northern leg, that the Government would divert funding to cover the full £41.4m budget of the scheme.

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Though the expectation very much remains that the money will come, there are worries among politicians and transport officials on Tyneside that further delay will see the rusted crossing’s condition deteriorate further and the cost of the restoration works spiral higher than they already have.

And, with the maintenance works due to last an estimated four years, there is an urgency to get started now so that the bridge can be back to its best in time to celebrate its centenary – which falls in October 2028.

Serious questions are already being asked in the North East about when the Government’s money for the Tyne Bridge will arrive. 

If the current impasse continues beyond the next few weeks, and Dickey’s famous painting does not act as a catalyst to hurry the relevant Whitehall funding approvals along, then expect emotions to reach fever pitch.