Coal Face: Washington

With the development of Washington New Town bringing together a collection of 18 colliery villages into an urban conurbation, there are many people with mining heritage in the area. 'Coal Face: Washington' explores the experience of 15 such people with close connections to local miners.

Through a combination of portraiture from photographer Andy Martin and poetry from writer Dr Louise Powell, the exhibition explores what it means to have a connection to Washington's mines which extends beyond work.

What was it like to be married to a man who earned his living in a dangerous environment? What did it mean to be the child of a miner? And how does it feel to have mining heritage now that the collieries have long since closed?

Building on a popular 2023 exhibition which focused on the men of Washington's mines, 'Coal Face: Washington' expands its exploration of the area's mining heritage to new genders and generations.

Coal Face: Washington is supported using public funding from Arts Council England. It is delivered in partnership with Sunderland Culture, Cultural Spring, Redhills Durham and University College London.

Redhills

The Cultural Spring

and UCL

For further information visit:-

Washington 'F' Pit - MySunderland 

https://redhillsdurham.org/

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