In the 70's I wore two hats, one as a coal mining professional and the
other as a documentary photographer. The former paid for the latter. Over a
20 year period I have photographed and interviewed about 3000 people
associated with all aspects of the Canadian coal industry. This work has
been shown in galleries and museums across Canada at various times. It has
been published in books and other forms. The photographs in most cases
included excerpts from the recorded interviews. This project has received a
tremendous support from the Arts community, the mining industry, the CIM
(Canadian Institute of Mining), the Coal Association of Canada, Alberta
Chamber of Resources and the general public.
I have done my best to encourage other artists to write, to paint and draw
mining scenes. I believe this one of the best ways to educate the public
about mining as well as preserve the industry history and heritage.
This past November I had the opportunity to attend The first "Mining
Traditions" gathering in Elko, Nevada. There we put on a small show titled
"CoalDust Grins - Portraits of Canadian Coal Miners." Our presentation
consisted of stories, photographs(slides) and original songs about
Canadian coal miners. I was overwhelmed by the audience response that we
received. There were quite a few other participants such as poets, singers,
artists and story tellers. I was very impressed by the stories and poems
that were presented by Mason Coggin at the same gathering in Elko. Mason's
stories completely convinced me that this was the way to go.
I also remember a wonderful exhibition of mining art at the National
Gallery in London.(early 80's) If I recall people were lined up to get in.
So my view is that Peter's suggestion "that consideration should be given
to the establishment of best practice in presenting material on the social
aspects of mining in an accurate but entertaining medium" has considerable
merit. I would be pleased to participate one way or another.
At 10:44 AM 04/30/2000 +0100, you wrote:
>Interpreting the social aspects of non-ferrous metal mining - The Cry of Tin.
>
>Roger Gosling's recent posting on 'The Cry of Tin' illustrates an aspect of
>the interpretation of the social aspects of non-ferrous metal mining which
>was touched on briefly at a recent MINET planning meeting. A discussion
>paper by John Fleet was circulated, suggesting that mining heritage
>organisations, in particular the MINET partners, should pay greater
>attention to the interpretation of social aspects through the medium of the
>Arts. He focussed particular on developments in Cornwall, stating that
>'mining communities have produced a rich and vibrant culture extending to a
>variety of disciplines; among them music, writing and art'. A number of
>examples are cited, including composers working within the Methodist
>tradition over the last century and a half, and, more recently, the painting
>of Peter Lanyon, plus the Kneehigh Theatre's production of 'The Riot'.
>
>I must admit to being sceptical as to how much of this work was really
>influenced by mining. Presentation of this kind is fine in an 'Arts'
>environment but, if it is to be part of any interpretation of the social
>aspects of non-ferrous metal mining, it must be approached with the same
>attitude as other aspects of mining - the archaeology and technological
>history, with all work based on well researched sources.
>
>Perhaps consideration should be given to the establishment of best practice
>in presenting material on the social aspects of mining in an accurate but
>entertaining medium. To that end I would suggest that there is discussion
>on the subject at the National Association of Mining History Organisations
>(NAMHO) conference in Truro in July. Perhaps a preceded by a relevant
>performance. Would any list member in contact with the conference
>organisers please pass on the suggestion.
>
>Peter
>
>______________________________________________
>
>Peter Claughton, Blaenpant Morfil, Rosebush, Clynderwen,
>Pembrokeshire, Wales SA66 7RE.
>Tel. 01437 532578; Fax. 01437 532921; Mobile 07831 427599
>
>University of Exeter - Department of History
>School of Historical, Political and Sociological Studies
>E-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
>Co-owner - mining-history e-mail discussion list.
>See http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/mining-history/ for details.
>
>Mining History Pages - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/~pfclaugh/mhinf/
>
>_____________________________________________
>
>
>
>
With kind regards,
Lawrence Chrismas
http://www.cambriapublishing.com/index.html
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