Coal Face

Coal Face was an exhibition exploring the identity of Washington through the perspective of ex-miners which took place in ‘F’ Pit throughout the duration of Heritage Open Days 2023. The project is the brainchild of Andy Martin, using his tintype portraiture and film photography. Biographies and collective pieces were created by writer, Dr Louise Powell through a series of sittings, asking nuanced questions. You can listen to the podcast here and purchase the publication here. 

It captured the last generation of the miners’ memories and a sense of belonging in a changing coalfield community. Recalling the era when the pits were still open and operational, examining the layering of place in an area where half a dozen pit villages had the superstructure of a new town imposed on top. The project led to miners and National Coal Board (NCB) workers reunited after matching up names to stories during the interview process and was supported by Redhills Miners Association, The Cultural Spring and UCL. There are long-term aims to roll the project out across other ex-mining communities in the north east of England and to incorporate the miner’s families to capture their stories.

The brand and photography are owned by Andy Martin. The text is owned by Andy Martin, Redhills Miners Association and creative writing owned by Dr Louise Powell. 

Project Manager, Freelance (23) 

Partner & Participant Liaison, Interviewing, Project & Budget Management, Research