COAL OFF THE DOLE

18-11-2008

Picture: Paul Ward

The Black Country’s coal mining heritage is being celebrated with an exhibition – featuring a major new installation – at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

At least one version of history has it that the BC is so called because the Staffordshire coal seam was evident at ground level throughout the region.

In any event, the presence of this precious natural resource was key to the Industrial Revolution, and provided much of the energy for the for the West Midlands subsequent emergence as an economic powerhouse.

Artists Matthew Cornford and David Cross are now using tonnes of coal to help reconnect local people with this vital energy source – but nostalgia aside, they also want to raise questions about the sustainability of importing alternative supplies from abroad.

Cornfod and Cross are also showcasing a series of paintings by local artist Edward Butler-Bayliss who captured the smoky atmosphere, and furnaces of the Coal Age.

The Lion and The Unicorn is on display until 31 January, 2009. Wolverhampton Art Gallery is open from Monday–Saturday from 10am–5pm and entry is free

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