There has been a continuing culture of miners creating art, most notably in South Wales and the North East, with the Pitmen Painters from Ashington in Northumberland and names (although, granted, not as well known as they should be) such as Cyril Ifold, Archie Rhys Griffiths, John Davies and a trio of Evans Boys – Vincent, George and Nick – from South Wales.
Many artist-miners were skilled in making do with very little, gleaning knowledge about their obsession from magazines, newspapers and cheap books, often using everyday items in their home as both raw materials and subjects for their paintings. Most were entirely self-taught, only occasionally receiving guidance at local art classes. As both artists and miners they worked in the dark. Their accomplishments are significant, capturing what is now a bygone world, and doing it off-shift when tremendous energy had already been expended by their tough labours.
