Miners shifts meant they often started or finished work in the dark. Pithead buildings can just be made out in the background of this scene. One of the huge chaldrons (wagons) that transported coal from the mine is shown behind the miner standing on the right. A young lad leans on a corf – a huge wicker basket used to raise coal to the surface. Many boys started work at the age of seven. They opened mine doors and helped lead horses.

Provenance: Given by Ralph Atkinson, 1908

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Henry Perlee Parker (1795–1873)
Date: about 1840

Image Details
Date: 15 April 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/30s
ISO: 640
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.