Coal

Coal was the basis of the prosperity of Newcastle and the North East from early times. Pictures of miners by Henry Perlee Parker and Ralph Hedley show the pride local people felt in the thriving coal industry of the 19th century. In the 20th century, artists from mining communities, such as the Ashington Group, have painted their own pictures recording the reality of mining life in the North East.


Henry Perlee Parker (1795-1873)
Pitmen Playing Quoits, 1840
Oil on canvas
Given by Ralph Atkinson, 1908
      
Miners' shifts meant they often started or finished work in the dark. Pithead buildings can just be made out in the background of this scene. One of the huge chaldrons (wagons) that transported coal from the mine is shown behind the miner standing on the right. A young lad leans on a corf - a huge wicker basket used to raise coal to the surface. Many boys started work at the age of seven. They opened mine doors and helped lead horses. Parker worked in Newcastle for many years.

   
 
Ralph Hedley (1848-1913)
Going Home, 1888
Oil on canvas
Given by Miss Ellen Bicknell, 1985
       
Two coal miners are shown returning home from Blaydon Main Colliery, near Gateshead. The young man has a cap to protect his head from low beams, and wears shorts because of the heat of the mine. The men carry safety lamps invented in the North East. The Clanny lamp is on the left, and the Geordie lamp on the right. These prevented coal gas igniting the lamp flame. A print of this picture was very popular when it was produced in 1889.



Harry Wilson (1898-1972)
‘10 AM’, exhibited 1938                   
Oil on canvas
Purchased from the artist, 1938

Harry Wilson has shown North Seaton pit village, near Ashington, in Northumberland. The winding gear of the mine is at the end of the main street, with a huge heap of coal waste beside it. The Ashington Group of artists were working people, mostly miners. They started as a Workers Educational Association art group in 1934. Harry Wilson was secretary of the group. He was not able to work in the mine as he had been gassed in World War 1.