Marking 40 years since the 1984-85 miners' strike, this exhibition explores the strike’s complexities through the lived experiences of miners and their families. Drawing on powerful personal testimonies and objects gathered from a public appeal and the National Coal Mining Museum's own collection, the exhibition presents a nuanced picture of the strike through three different perspectives:
1. Those who remained on strike throughout the year.
2. Those who returned to work before the strike ended.
3. Those who did not strike.
To aid navigation and reflect these distinct perspectives, the exhibition utilises three distinct color themes: yellow, pink, and cyan. Visitors are introduced to this color-coding system at the outset, allowing them to navigate the exhibition with sensitivity to potentially challenging or emotive content.
Adding to the immersive experience, the majority of the interpretive panels and quotes are displayed on authentic OSB boards. These boards, a poignant reminder of the strike’s realities, were commonly used to repair windows damaged during the conflict.
Marking 40 years since the 1984-85 miners' strike, this exhibition explores the strike’s complexities through the lived experiences of miners and their families. Drawing on powerful personal testimonies and objects gathered from a public appeal and the National Coal Mining Museum's own collection, the exhibition presents a nuanced picture of the strike through three different perspectives:
1. Those who remained on strike throughout the year.
2. Those who returned to work before the strike ended.
3. Those who did not strike.
To aid navigation and reflect these distinct perspectives, the exhibition utilises three distinct color themes: yellow, pink, and cyan. Visitors are introduced to this color-coding system at the outset, allowing them to navigate the exhibition with sensitivity to potentially challenging or emotive content.
Adding to the immersive experience, the majority of the interpretive panels and quotes are displayed on authentic OSB boards. These boards, a poignant reminder of the strike’s realities, were commonly used to repair windows damaged during the conflict.
