‘I am deeply saddened by the closure and proposed demolition of this remarkable place’

A Sunderland artist - who painted seven pictures of the National Glass Centre more than 30 years ago - says he is ‘deeply saddened’ by its closure.

One of Robert Soden's depictions of the National Glass Centre which he created in 1995. | ugc

placeholder image — One of Robert Soden's depictions of the National Glass Centre which he created in 1995. | ugc

Robert Soden, who is renowned for capturing changes to the Sunderland skyline, has lived on Wearside since 1991. He had previously lived and worked in Rome in the early 1980s.

He has exhibited his works all around the world, and has undertaken many commissions nationally and internationally.

Robert Soden pictured in his gallery in a Sunderland Echo archive photo. | se

In 1995, Mr Soden made seven pictures of the Glass Centre when it was under construction and said it was ‘an optimistic and exciting moment for Sunderland’.

But he added: “I am deeply saddened by the closure and proposed demolition of this remarkable place, much loved by people in Sunderland and part of many residents’ family stories, histories and education.”

Another of the Robert Soden paintings of the National Glass Centre. | ugc

He said nearly 50,000 people have ‘expressed opposition to the proposed demolition, demonstrating the depth of feeling within the community about the future of a building regarded as a national treasure.

“In my opinion, demolishing the National Glass Centre and the adjacent St Peter’s Campus would amount to the unnecessary loss of significant public assets and would clear a prime riverside site for future redevelopment. I am concerned that the long-term cultural and educational value of these buildings is being sacrificed in favour of development priorities that do not reflect the wishes of many local people.”

Robert Soden said he was 'deeply saddened' by the closure of the National Glass Centre which he painted in this series of pictures from 31 years ago. | ugc

Mr Soden is originally from Somerset and has since lived in Birmingham, Rome, Cardiff and London.

Some of his other works based on Sunderland include the Vaux site, Nissan, Pennywell, the old ABC cinema, and the Tavistock car park.

Mr Soden added: “For 34 years I have made paintings in and around Sunderland and have always been welcomed by passers-by who are pleased to see the places where they live, work and spend their time featured in my paintings.

“Recently, when people see me painting a building, they often ask whether it is going to be demolished, reflecting what many perceive as a continuing loss of the city’s built heritage. I sincerely hope that my next painting of the National Glass Centre is not of its demise but of its renewal.”