Woman and children walking in old pit village

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 together with their daughter Freya 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