Sunderland Miscellaneous - County Borough of Sunderland

Restored reproduction of an original front cover artwork of the County Borough Civic Week Local Government Exhibition.  Printed and published by Thomas Reed & Co. Ltd., Sunderland.   The publication date is 1946.

Printed on high quality 230gsm matt archival paper.

The cover artwork is signed "R. A. Ray".  We have researched the artist and believe it to be Richard Archibald Ray, who did commission work for various publications.  

Richard Archibald Ray (1886–1968) was a distinguished British artist, teacher, and sculptor whose work left a lasting impression on Sunderland’s cultural and civic landscape.

Born in London, Ray studied at the Brighton School of Art and the Royal College of Art, qualifying in 1914. Shortly after, he moved to Sunderland, where he became chief assistant art master at the local School of Art. From 1919 to 1949, he served as headmaster of Sunderland College of Art, overseeing a period of significant growth and innovation. He also lectured at the local teacher training college and contributed to national art education through syllabus development and examination work.

Ray was deeply involved in the local art scene, serving as president of the Stanfield Art Society in the 1920s and actively participating in the Sunderland Art Club. His artistic output included paintings, sculptures, and public commissions, many of which were created for local authorities. Among his most notable works are:

• The War Memorial in Mowbray Park, commemorating both World Wars.
• A statue of Sir Joseph Swan, the electrical pioneer, located on Pilgrim Street, commissioned in 1931.
• Numerous plaques and insignia for civic and educational institutions.

His paintings, such as A Fisherman's Home, Venice and Sunshine after Rain, Clymping, Sussex, are held in the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, which preserves his legacy as both an artist and educator.