KING COAL (2020)
Burnley, Lancashire sits on the northern most point of the Lancashire coalfield in England. Whilst the area was known for its cotton industry, the brave men who worked underground faced conditions which are now beyond modern comprehension in the UK. Documenting the ex-miners of Burnley’s coalfields and the coal merchants, A+B Milligan Coal Merchants, I hope to show a community which still has a strong memory and link to coal.
Chimneys with no smoke billowing out in late winter.
A+B Milligans Coal has a small team of men to do the loading of coal into bags, sweeping of the covered storage facility and tend to the drive through service. These men work tirelessly each day to make sure the business runs as smooth as possible.
Philip Sagar carrying a 50 bag over his shoulder with one hand.
Burnley in East Lancashire. After Stuart's brother and father retired from running the business, he took over with his wife Claire Milligan to keep the coal burning at what is believed to be the last remaining undercover coal yard in Britain.
Philip Sagar uses an automated machine which loads coal into bags which is then heat sealed on the top of the bag and stacked by a robot arm onto a pallet which can then be transported easily by forklift. The robotic machine has made the process of weighing and sorting coal much more efficient and accurate.
An Empty Coal Bag is Pinned to the Wall to Remind Employees What Coal is Stored in This Section.
James Ainsworth, Coal Merchant
Tea Break
Coal Scales from 1940, still in use when the machine is taking a bit of time to start up.
The Sweep Up
Dinner Break
Malcolm's Hand Gripping A Fifty Bag
Philip Sagar Moving A 50 Bag To Be Stored Safely
Dennis Cawtherly, Ex-Miner
Empty Mug Over Images Of Ex-Miners, Dennis Cawtherly and Dennis Ward In Woodend Mining Museum, Burnley.
Bob Clark, Ex-Miner
A life of toil. Mining related injuries such as missing digits and blue scars are common amongst many old miners.
Hapton Valley Colliery Disaster Memorial.