Landmark Exhibition, Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure
Landmark exhibition opens at the National Coal Mining Museum
Exhibition opens as part of Jason Wilsher-Mills MBE landmark Arts Council England project celebrating the stories of Britain’s mining communities.
A groundbreaking national art project celebrating the heritage and human stories of Britain’s mining communities will open at the National Coal Mining Museum for England on Friday 27 March 2026. The exhibition unveils a world first tapestry created by acclaimed disabled artist Jason Wilsher-Mills MBE, marking one of the most ambitious commissions of his career.
Funded by almost £145,000 from Arts Council England, the yearlong project has resulted in a spectacular tapestry inspired by stories gathered from former mining communities across the UK.
The tapestry has been created in partnership with the internationally renowned Flanders Tapestry in Belgium, historic weavers to leading artists including Grayson Perry and Damien Hirst. The piece represents Wilsher-Mills’ first venture into tapestry and the largest individual arts grants awarded to a UK artist by the Arts Council.
The exhibition combines traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation. Powerful yet playful animated films, screened in the gallery and accessible via QR code, bring to life audio interviews with mining families who shared vivid memories of life above ground, from holidays and hobbies to the leisure activities that brought communities together. These stories are woven directly into the fabric of the tapestry, giving a voice to generations whose experiences helped shape industrial Britain.
The artwork carries deep personal significance for Jason, whose father was a miner and later developed silicosis. The tapestry tells his story, showing how a family tragedy was transformed into something positive that ultimately changed his parents’ lives for the better. Inspired by the Museum’s extraordinary collection of banners and his childhood memories of the Wakefield Miners’ Gala in the 1970s, he has created a piece that brings together traditional craftsmanship with digital animation, film and immersive audio. The result is the first tapestry created by Jason, offering visitors a unique blend of heritage and contemporary storytelling.
Alongside the tapestry, visitors will experience two monumental, mega inflatable sculptures, as well as new animations and film created in collaboration with Hot Knife Digital Media. These vibrant works will stand in dynamic contrast with the Museum’s nationally significant mining collections, bringing together industrial heritage and bold contemporary art in a way that is immersive and wonderfully joyful.
The project is founded not only on artistic ambition but on community connection. Over the past six months, Jason has worked with schools, disability groups, community organisations and former mining families across the UK. He has led creative sessions and through art has supported wellbeing, developed new skills, solidified partnerships and encouraged friendships.
As part of the wider project, Jason has also awarded three micro commissions to disabled artists nationwide, each receiving mentorship, community collaboration opportunities and tailored support to develop their practice. The three artists will hold their solo shows at NCMME and across the country from November 2026.
To ensure the work reaches communities across the country, replica tapestries will tour nationally including The Kent Mining Museum and National Mining Museum Scotland. The national tour offers a timely celebration of working class identity, preserving and reimagining the stories of family, holidays and precious memories spent together.
Bright, bold and bursting with colour, the exhibition promises an uplifting and unforgettable experience for visitors. With interactive elements and a kaleidoscope of creativity, it brings new life to Britain’s mining history and offers a powerful, joyful celebration of community.
Jason Wilsher-Mills MBE, Artist said “The National Coal Mining Museum is a place I have always enjoyed visiting, as I grew up in a predominately coal mining community. I have vivid memories of my grandad showing me his hands, which had coal dust trapped in his veins. Also, as an artist who creates work about working class life and experiences, there could not have been a better fit between myself and the museum. I have been particularly excited about this project as it has given me the chance to create my first tapestry, with the world-famous Flanders Tapestries, in Belgium. I have also created beautiful, animated films with the wonderful Hot Knife Media, which are narrated by those voices from the coal mining communities. I cannot wait to share this new work with everyone”
Pete Massey, Director Northern Economy at Arts Council England, said: “Jason Wilsher-Mills’ new project is a wonderful celebration of Britain’s mining communities and their histories. We’re proud to support this exciting work that blends our industrial past with bold contemporary art. The tapestry and the interactive experiences are a powerful way for people to connect with these important stories.
“This project shows how the arts can bring people together, share experiences, and spark new ideas. We’re excited to see how it will inspire audiences across the UK as it tours the country.”
Lynn Dunning, CEO, National Coal Mining Museum for England said “What an honour it is for the National Coal Mining Museum to be working with an artist of Jason’s calibre. His art is engaging, inspirational and totally dynamic, telling the stories of people and communities in a way that leaves a lasting impression. The history of coal is deeply embedded in towns and cities across the UK, and it is important that we reach out and give people a platform to share their precious memories. Never before will the history of coal be told in such a way, and we are incredibly grateful to Arts Council England and to Jason for giving us this important opportunity.”