River-god Tyne

I seem to just come across these Tyne River-gods. I saw this as I climbed the stairs in Newcastle Library this afternoon. I was a bit early for a lecture and took shelter from the awful wet and windy weather – they have nice corners where you can sit and read.

I don’t know much about the origins of this wooden carving, but it was loaned to the new library on its opening by North Tyneside printing and media firm Elanders, which inherited the head through a series of company mergers. This head does seem to be surmounted by emblems of early trade and industries on the Tyne. (I've now tagged them.)

 
Last night
We had a great evening yesterday at the Queen’s Hall, Hexham. You take legendary fiddle player Peter Knight (ex- Steeleye Span) and the brilliant melodeon player John Spiers (ex- Bellowhead). You put them together and you get Knight and Spiers and an evening of classy, joyful music. Splendid! Watch and listen.