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
A new A5 edition of the After the Coal Dust Book
The original After the Coal Dust book came out in 2020 in 12in and 8in hardback editions and we were fortunate enough to be able to offer these editions at reasonable prices. Unfortunately the original editions are now out of print but a revised hardback version is available at The Great British Bookshop and other online retailers….
After the Coal Dust – History and Heritage
I was asked to write an article last year for History & Heritage magazine, the full piece is copied below YorkshireHistory_JOHNGILLDownload
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 Dust 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.