Two coal miners are shown returning home from Blaydon Main Colliery, near Gateshead. The young man has a cap to protect his head from low beams, and wears shorts because of the heat of the mine.

The men carry safety lamps invented in the North East. The Clanny lamp is on the left, and the Geordie lamp on the right. These prevented coal gas igniting the lamp flame. A print of this picture was very popular when it was produced in 1889.

Provenance: Given by Miss Ellen Bicknell, 1985

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Ralph Hedley (1848-1913)
Date: 1888

Image Details
Date: 26 August 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/31s
ISO: 500
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.