New project underway to celebrate County Durham's WW2 Women of Steel
Visitors to Sunderland's 24NE gallery this evening will be among the first to see a powerful new painting celebrating the women who worked at Consett Steelworks during the Second World War
Last updated 6th Aug 2026
A new community led heritage project, celebrating the women who worked at Consett steelworks will launch a powerful new piece of art today, as part of Sunderland's 24 NE Gallery's summer exhibition.
The painting, by Sunderland artist and heritage metalworker Dr Ron Lawson, forms part of the developing Queens of Steel project.
Queens of Steel will culminate in a permanent sculpture, installed in Consett, to highlight the work of the women of Consett Steelworks, recognising the contributions they made to Britain's wartime steel production.
Dr Lawson's work is already known to many in Sunderland, as he is the creator of "Molly", a sculpture on the banks of the River Wear, honouring the more than 700 woman who worked in Sunderland's shipyards during the war.
He says while Molly represents the women who built the ships, Queens of Steel will celebrate the woman producing the steel which made those ships possible, and adds that the painting, which is going on display at 24NE's Summer Exhibition from today, represents the strength and dignity of the hundreds of women who worked in the steelworks and whose stories deserve to be remembered and shared.
Visitors to the exhibition are invited to share their own memories, reflections and family stories through a comment book displayed alongside the painting, helping to inform the wider heritage project as it develops.
Ron tells us:
"Molly showed me how deeply people connect with stories that reflect their own heritage,"
"Queens of Steel builds on that experience. I hope the painting encourages people to pause, remember and perhaps share family stories that might otherwise be lost.
"Every conversation helps us build a richer understanding of the people who shaped our communities."
The Queens of Steel project is being developed in partnership with the Friends of Blackhill and Consett Park, local historians, community organisations and heritage partners.
Alongside historical research and community engagement, the project aims to establish a permanent heritage landmark that will invite remembrance and interpretation for generations to come.
24NE Director Ken Devine said;
“As a community focused gallery we’re proud to feature the Queens of Steel painting in our new ‘On the Wall’ exhibition” .
Sunderland's 24NE Gallery launch their summer exhibition today.