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The new summer exhibition at the National Coal Mining Museum for England tells the story of coal trading throughout the ages, from the late 15thcentury to the early 20th century.
‘The Hidden Lives of the Coal Traders’ runs from today, 3 June – 29 September 2013 and follows the journeys of the keelmen who ferried the coal along the River Tyne, and the coal heavers who spent their working lives moving coal from the ships to London’s docks, as well as the coal deliveries to homes by coal lorries.
The exhibition features objects from the unique collection of the Coal Meters’ Committee – the committee of former ‘coal tax collectors’, who used surplus capital when they were disbanded in the 1960s to save coal trade artefacts for the benefit of future generations. Amassed by the Coal Meters over a number of years, this is a unique opportunity to see their wonderful collection of prints, paintings, and models, which steer a fascinating course through coal trade history.
The collection includes paintings and prints by several well-known artists such as W. L. Wyllie, E. W. Cooke, William Joy, and printmakers such as Fordyce and T. H. Hair.
For family visitors, the exhibition includes the coal traders Newcastle to London board game, in which players can make origami keel boats and have a go at weighing coal sacks.
Mark Carlyle, Curator of Industry, National Coal Mining Museum for England, comments:
“It’s a long way from the sea trade to home coal deliveries, and this exhibition is a great way for families to go on an interactive journey that brings this part of our history to life. Coal merchants were an everyday part of street life, a way of life that has almost disappeared today, and I think it’s important that we remember this part of our heritage.”
The exhibition also includes a short video from Outwood Community Video which captures people’s memories of home coal and living and growing up in a coal fuelled home. The video is a combination of talking-head memories from members of the public, still images of coal delivery, and video footage of the use of coal in daily life, using objects such as coal-fired ranges, which were common less than 20 years ago but have largely disappeared today.
Other Info:
- The Museum is free admission
- Free car and coach parking
- Opening hours 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily except for 24-26 December and 1 January
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Please arrive early to book onto an underground tour, as at busy periods tours are often fully booked by midday
- Temperature underground is 12°C; we strongly recommend warm practical clothing and sensible flat shoes. Unfortunately children under five years old are not permitted on the underground tour
- Indoor play area for children under five
- Disabled facilities include level parking, ramp and disabled toilets with underground tours also available with prior arrangement
For more information please call the Museum on 01924 848806 or email info@ncm.org.uk or visit the website at www.ncm.org.uk
Venue ( Address ):
National Coal Mining Museum for England
Caphouse Colliery
New Road
Overton
Wakefield
WF4 4RH
