Mining for Stories’ Exhibition Digs Deep into Local Heritage of Mining Communities

A collection of photographs from the extensive museum archive will be showcased, alongside a community crafted artwork which was created during the Our Heritage Textile Photograph workshop at Edwinstowe Library. This artwork is a collaborative effort with the local Knit and Natter group and local people from the surrounding area.

‘Mining for Stories’ delves into the era of mining in the 1980s, a significant period for the local communities, and will tour up to three district venues, beginning its journey at Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum from Wednesday 27 November 2024 to Monday 13 January 2025, before moving to Edwinstowe Library where it will be on display from Tuesday 14 January 2025 to Saturday 22 February 2025.

Cris Cooper, Manager at Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum, said: “It has been great working on Newark and Sherwood’s Mining for Stories Project. Our volunteers feel that their hard work looking after our collection is being appreciated and valued and it has been a huge boost to morale.”

Volunteers have played a crucial role in bringing this exhibition to life, generously sharing their time and stories. A consultation earlier this month provided curators with additional information about the images in the collection, allowing for the identification of individuals and locations in photographs that were previously unknown.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating: “‘Mining for Stories’ is a remarkable tribute to the resilience and camaraderie of our mining communities.

“It’s a celebration of our shared heritage and an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to engage with the stories that have shaped our district. We are proud to support this exhibition and the Open Doors programme, which continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Newark and Sherwood.”

‘Mining for Stories’ is part of Open Doors, a three-year programme of events organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council and funded by Arts Council England. The programme aims to increase creative opportunities for young people and under-served groups, establishing a cultural focal point across Newark and Sherwood.

This exhibition stands as a powerful tribute to the lasting impact of the mining communities and their profound role in shaping the region’s history. It offers visitors a chance to journey back in time and immerse themselves in the narratives that influenced the lives of so many in Newark and Sherwood.

Find out more about what Open Doors has on offer by visiting: Upcoming events - Palace Theatre, Newark