Photographs of post-industrial Britain
In 1984, the Yorkshire area had a total of 56 collieries. Today there are none left. The last was Kellingley Colliery which closed on Friday 18th December 2015 signalling the end of coal mining not only in Yorkshire but in Britain as a whole. Other major industries in the UK (such as steel, textiles, and car manufacturing) have seen a similar decline.
The “After The Coal Dust” photographs taken by Bridget and John Gill show life in the former industrial towns now that the industries have gone.
Unapologetically honest, and in some cases tinged with humour, this collection of photographs document another important chapter in the story of Britain’s post-industrial heritage.
Imogen Holmes-Roe
Curator of Art & Photography National Mining Museum for England
See the Photos
Latest News
After the Coal Dust Book Review
A great review of our After the Coal Dust book on the Progress site in Italy. “This is one of the very best books of photography to come to the table.” Margaret Thatcher’s conservative government, with their forced closures of coal mines and privatisation, caused an enormous social shock, which was met with indignation across…
Images from After the Coal Uust featured in LE MAGAZINE
Pleased to be featured in the 2023 Special Edition of LE MAGAZINE. There is an interview and photographs over 12 pages of the German language publication.
Hebden Bridge exhibition review
A great review for the After the Coal Dust exhibition at Hebden Bridge April 2022 “It’s unusual for us to approach exhibitors whose work we have seen elsewhere, sometimes because we’re too busy but also because we get so many artists approaching us and we are spoilt for choice. When we saw After the Coal…
Goodbye Yorkshire, hello Tokyo
When we started with the street photos we didn’t really think they’d be of interest to many people at all, at best one or two local people might be able to relate to them. For one thing quite a lot of people really hated the photos (and us for doing it!) and also the pictures…