Project profiles Washington's mining history through the arts

Spearheaded by writer Dr Louise Powell and photographer Andy Martin, the project builds on previous work, which involved the lives of 13 miners from the 'final generation'.

The stories were depicted through a combination of portrait photography, verbatim poetry, and a podcast.

Mr Martin’s portraits were displayed at F-Pit Museum in September 2023 and filled pages of a book featuring Powell’s writing.

Praised by local communities and the Poet Laureate, the duo is now developing a broader version of ‘Coal Face’ after receiving an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant.

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Working again with Redhills CIO, The Cultural Spring, Sunderland Culture and University College London, Dr Powell and Mr Martin aim to inspire more people across different locations to start discussions about their mining heritage.

Dr Powell said: "We hope to preserve stories about what it meant to be part of mining families for future generations."

People closely connected to Washington’s mines are invited to the free Engagement Session at Washington Millennium Centre.

Here, Dr Powell will conduct interviews capturing vital memories, while Mr Martin will take photographic portraits to feature in an autumn exhibition, a published book and a podcast series.

To be part of the Coal Face project, register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coal-face-washington-engagement-sessions-tickets-952092964687.