- Venue
- Kirkcaldy Galleries,
- Starts
- Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Ends
- Sunday, April 20, 2025
- Address
- War Memorial Gardens, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 1YG
- Location
- Scotland
- Organiser
- Kirkcaldy Galleries, Fife
More than an exercise in nostalgia, Before and After Coal is the result of an innovative collaboration between artist Nicky Bird, the National Galleries of Scotland and mining communities.
The project was inspired by the work of American photographer Milton Rogovin who in 1982 photographed Scottish mineworkers at work, at home and at leisure. Nicky retraced the photographer’s journey through meeting with individuals and families connected with the original photographs. Community engagement work by both Nicky and the National Galleries of Scotland took place across Fife, East Ayrshire and the Lothians. Through a series of ‘Then and Now’ workshops and ‘Show and Tell’ events, people came to share their memorabilia and stories as well as view Rogovin’s images. Many would recognise family members, workmates, friends and for some, even themselves. Forty years on, the voices from Scotland’s mining communities focused on themes of family, community spirit, heritage, work and place. They also expressed feelings about what has changed and what has endured, including personal reflections on the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85. Alongside themes of reminiscence and remembrance, the voices of young people from these communities are also weaved into the exhibition. In contrast to direct experience of a mining past, their artworks turn attentions to today’s challenges of climate change and online culture.
