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Mining Art Gallery

An intimate and awe-inspiring collection of mining art.

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Pitmen at Play

The oldest painting on display in the gallery, Pitmen at Play by Henry Perlee Parker, was the first realistic depiction of miners in everyday life. The Pitmen at Play series was displayed at the Royal Academy and saw Perlee Parker be regarded as the father of social realism.

Big Meeting

In Big Meeting by Tom McGuinness, the viewer becomes part of the bustling scene at the Durham Miners’ Gala as thousands of people parade through the streets. This piece was the first painting purchased for the Gemini Collection, which forms the heart of the Mining Art Gallery.

Testing for Gas

Working in the pit meant constant danger, and in this atmospheric work by former miner Ted Holloway, Testing for Gas, we see the deputy of a mine holding his lamp to see if the flame would burn blue in the presence of ‘firedamp’ gases.

Berriman’s Chip Van

Norman Cornish began working in the mines at the age of 14 and has been described as one of the most important artist-chroniclers of 20th century industry and working class life. In Berriman’s Chip Van, you can practically smell the fishcakes and chips as people crowd around.

The Last Cage Down

Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 miners’ strike, The Last Cage Down is a special exhibition chronicling the decline of the mining industry and the range of emotions – anger, despair, resignation, worry and loss – felt by many.

Pitmen at Play

The oldest painting on display in the gallery, Pitmen at Play by Henry Perlee Parker, was the first realistic depiction of miners in everyday life. The Pitmen at Play series was displayed at the Royal Academy and saw Perlee Parker be regarded as the father of social realism.

Big Meeting

In Big Meeting by Tom McGuinness, the viewer becomes part of the bustling scene at the Durham Miners’ Gala as thousands of people parade through the streets. This piece was the first painting purchased for the Gemini Collection, which forms the heart of the Mining Art Gallery.

Testing for Gas

Working in the pit meant constant danger, and in this atmospheric work by former miner Ted Holloway, Testing for Gas, we see the deputy of a mine holding his lamp to see if the flame would burn blue in the presence of ‘firedamp’ gases.

Berriman’s Chip Van

Norman Cornish began working in the mines at the age of 14 and has been described as one of the most important artist-chroniclers of 20th century industry and working class life. In Berriman’s Chip Van, you can practically smell the fishcakes and chips as people crowd around.

The Last Cage Down

Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 miners’ strike, The Last Cage Down is a special exhibition chronicling the decline of the mining industry and the range of emotions – anger, despair, resignation, worry and loss – felt by many.

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Culture, life and community sprung out from mining in the North East; it’s our history, it’s our character, it’s who we are.

The intimate and awe-inspiring art collection in the Mining Art Gallery showcases the resilience and courage of those who lived and worked in the mines, and gives an incredible perspective on how human creativity and spirit can shine even in the darkest places.

A visit to the gallery takes you on an exploration of the art, culture, and context of the mining industry and its place in the history of County Durham. Original artefacts and artworks give a truly unique insight into the lives and souls of coal miners and the communities that grew around them, from the harshness of life underground to the lighter times the miners and their families shared.

The Mining Art Gallery opened in 2017 and was created in partnership with Dr Robert McManners OBE and Mrs Gillian Wales.

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Discover and Learn

Discover

Discover untold stories and hidden histories, brought to life by our curatorial team.

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Our Collections

From priceless paintings to historic archives, our collections at The Auckland Project help to tell the remarkable story of Bishop Auckland.

Find out more about Our Collections

The Story of Bishop Auckland

With a glorious past, Bishop Auckland is set for an even brighter future…

Find out more about The Story of Bishop Auckland

What's On

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Our Attractions

The Auckland Project is a unique collection of visitor attractions in and around Bishop Auckland. As a regeneration charity, our mission is to create positive change for those living, working in and visiting our town. By visiting our attractions, you are helping us to ensure that Bishop Auckland's future is as vibrant as its past.

Auckland Castle

Walk in the footsteps of the Prince Bishops of Durham, the original ‘Kings of the North’.

Walk in the footsteps of the Prince Bishops of Durham, the original ‘Kings of the North’.

Auckland Tower

Climb high to see far as you begin your adventure in Bishop Auckland.

Climb high to see far as you begin your adventure in Bishop Auckland.

Auckland Gardens

Awaken your senses in the landscaped gardens surrounding Auckland Castle.

Awaken your senses in the landscaped gardens surrounding Auckland Castle.

Spanish Gallery

The UK’s first gallery dedicated to the art and culture of the Spanish Golden Age.

The UK’s first gallery dedicated to the art and culture of the Spanish Golden Age.

Mining Art Gallery

An intimate and awe-inspiring collection of mining art.

An intimate and awe-inspiring collection of mining art.

Faith Museum

To understand the story of Britain, we need to understand the impact of faith on its people.

To understand the story of Britain, we need to understand the impact of faith on its people.

Deer Park

An outdoor adventure awaits in the historic Deer Park.

An outdoor adventure awaits in the historic Deer Park.

Weardale Railway

Ride the rails of history through beautiful Weardale.

Ride the rails of history through beautiful Weardale.

Kynren

Travel through time and watch legends come to life.

Travel through time and watch legends come to life.

Binchester

Binchester Roman Fort gives you an insight into what life was like for the Romans in County Durham.

Binchester Roman Fort gives you an insight into what life was like for the Romans in County Durham.

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