The Ashington Group (Pitmen Painters)

The Ashington Group, (also known as the Pitmen Painters_, produced hundreds of paintings showing what life was like both above and below ground for their mining communities in Northumberland.

They began as an art appreciation class in 1934, through the WEA (Workers Education Association). Their tutor wanted them to learn about art though ‘doing’ so the group started to paint.

Over the next 50 years the Ashington Group met weekly, experimenting with techniques and materials. The story of the Ashington Group would later inspire Lee Hall’s famous play ‘The Pitmen Painters’.

The Ashington Group Collection is on permanent display at Woodhorn Museum in a dedicated gallery with the support of the Ashington Group Trustees.