The miner's lamp tells a story
The closure of a coal mine in Shropshire was catalyst for the a series of painting currently on exhibition in Oswestry.
Artist, Holly Hayward,from Hordley, near Ellesmere has drawn upon her own personal links to the local coal mining industry to produce the paintings under the them, The Miner's Lamp.
But she also explored the only deep mining pits accessible in the UK, in North Yorkshire and South Wales, to increase her understanding of what miners, like her grandfather, experienced on a daily basis.
Her grandfather worked at Ifton Colliery, St Martins, which closed in the 1960s and she has also talked to other former miners with connections to Ifton and Bersham near Wrexham.
"My aim was to track the story of the individual, be it past recollections, or the way memories have been kept alive through the generations. Adding an original lamp to the painting is a personal touch, as the number on the lamp can be
traced back to its owner," she said.
"My work is complex, it requires seeking out the varied roles of those who worked in the mining industry. Men who worked the coal face, the deputies and engineers. Often, I find myself working within the model’s own home, listening to their stories of life down the pit, whilst juggling composition, light and tone to best effect.
"In the case of Bersham colliery, it was a winding room, full of redundant machinery, yet still alive and kicking with rich, vivd colours 30 years after the pit closed.
"As I dug deep to find the tales behind each miner's lamp I found hardship, love and warmth."
Holly's work can be seen at the Willow Gallery in Oswestry until January 12. Selected, limited edition prints and gift cards are also available. For further information go to facebook.com/holly.hayward.39 or twitter.com/EHHayward.
