Coal Lines

The installation references the 34 collieries that were located in the Wakefield district and the people who worked there. Using sound, light and storytelling, artist Tony Wade, composer Andy Wright and the Research and Development Team at XPLOR collaborating with the team at the National Coal Mining Museum have created an artwork that constantly changes as visitors explore, interacting with their movement. 

Visitors are encouraged to explore how the captivating soundscape has been created by mapping the depths of mineshafts, translating and developing this research into musical scores. Recordings of ex-miners and canary-song add to this multi-sensory experience. Layers of symbolism and research will be revealed through this playful and captivating artwork. 

Tony Wade is a Wakefield-based artist who explores the emotional impact landscapes can have on humanity. Wade has created over 200 installations and exhibitions across the UK, including Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Hepworth Wakefield and Nostell Priory.

Andy Wright is a Kirklees based musician and composer, with a particular interest in how everyday sounds and the continuous sonic experiences that we all have, but usually don’t hear, can be incorporated into pieces of composed music to enhance and enrich our everyday lives. 

XPLOR, located at Production Park, is the premier research and development facility for the creative industries in the UK. Their mission is to further enhance live experiences through technological development and enhanced storytelling.

The National Coal Mining Museum aims to keep coal mining alive by collecting and preserving the industry’s rich heritage, creating enjoyable and inspiring ways to learn for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

These artworks have been supported as part of the ‘Our Stories: Our Heritage’ project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.