From 22 October to 7 November, the colourful banners will displayed around the cathedral as part of an exhibition called, Solidarity Forever: Banners of the Durham Mining Community, a poignant and powerful display celebrating the resilience and heritage of County Durham’s mining communities.
Andrew Usher Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise says,
“We are honoured to be hosting a large and varied selection of the miners’ banners here at the cathedral. Durham Cathedral and the local mining communities have strong links dating back to the 1800s and this exhibition not only tells the story of the region's mining heritage but is a celebration of the fantastic local banners representing each colliery and the community spirit that continues in the region.”
The exhibition, in collaboration with the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association and Redhills, Durham, showcases 40 miners’ banners in total, each telling a unique story of struggle, solidarity, and survival. The banners held by local communities are rich in history and symbolism and have been lovingly hand-painted to represent their colliery lodge or community group.
Patricia Simmons from the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association says,
“We are encouraging the former mining communities and the younger generation to recognise the importance that these vibrant and colourful Banners have in the history of Durham and the stories they portray. The Groups aim is to restore the many original banners or to replace with new banners in order to celebrate the lives of miners both past and present who despite overcoming many adversities formed the thriving communities we have today. Throughout the country the Durham Miners Gala is one of the finest displays of these beautiful storytelling Banners that form part of our Heritage. To be able to have this exhibition in the historical grandeur of Durham Cathedral demonstrates how committed we are in continuing to celebrate the past but looking to the future.”
Revd Canon Michael Hampel, Vice-Dean and Precentor of Durham Cathedral, says,
“Durham Cathedral has been a feature of Durham’s landscape for over 900 years. It’s strong and resilient and the mining communities of County Durham were also strong and resilient which is why they still come to the Cathedral year after year at the Gala to give thanks to God for the past and look with hope to the future. The mines have gone but the people survive and so do their banners. As we witness our mining heritage, we remember past hurts and pray for healing. And we celebrate all that has been and all that will be.”
The exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85 and celebrates the continuing solidarity of the Durham mining communities. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the hand-painted silk banners up close, gaining insight into the regions mining heritage and learning more about the communities that stand together today.
The exhibition will be on display inside the cathedral from Tuesday 22 October to Thursday 7 November. There is no admission charge to enter the cathedral. To help support the work of the cathedral and the care of its buildings for future generations a £5 donation is encouraged.
Banners that will be on display include:
- Banner Tales
- Bearpark
- Blackhall
- Bowburn
- Burnhope
- Browney Lodge Banner
- Chilton
- Chopwell
- Craghead
- Deaf Hill
- DMA Sacriston lodge
- Elemore
- Esh Winning Colliery
- Eppleton
- Felling
- Glebe (Washington)
- Harton and Westoe
- Hetton Lyons
- Hole in the Wall
- Houghton
- Horden
- Hylton
- Lanchester
- Lambton
- Morrison Busty
- Murton Colliery
- New Brancepeth
- New Herrington
- Rough Lea Colliery
- Seaham Dawdon and Vane Tempest
- Silksworth
- Spennymoor
- Washington F Pit
- Wheatley Hill
- Windy Nook & Hewoth Colliery
- Women's Banner Group
