Exploring miners' tales through time with special exhibition at Yorkshire's National Coal Mining Museum
Wakefield’s Jason Wilsher-Mills can well remember his own grandfather's hands; blackened and dyed by the decades of coal dust that fed through his veins.
Now the disabled artist's work gives a voice to the stories of those who came before him, and to their time in the mines as it shaped industrial Britain.
They are woven into the fabric of tapestry for the first time.
These stories and more are to feature in a landmark exhibition opening at Yorkshire's National Coal Mining Museum today, funded by Arts Council England (ACE).
Mr Wilsher-Mills, born and brought up among these proud mining areas, said there could not be a better fit.
This is a museum rooted in community.
“I have vivid memories of my grandad showing me his hands, which had coal dust trapped in his veins,” he added.
“I cannot wait to share this new work with everyone.”
This is an exhibition deeply personal to the artist, who was born in Wakefield and whose father was a miner and later developed silicosis.
The tapestry tells his story, showing how a family tragedy was transformed into something better.
Then there are his memories of Wakefield Miners' Gala in the 1970s, proud banners and flags.
And there is digital animation, with films shot with Hot Knife Media and narrated by voices from the nation's coal mining communities.
Over the past six months, Mr Wilsher-Mills has hosted creative sessions with schools, disability and community groups, as well as former mining families, collecting memories.
Now this is a landmark works, with historic weavers and major names including Grayson Perry and Damien Hirst and all under the banner of Belgium's Flanders Tapestry.
It brings to life the light and community of old mining families, with holiday stories, hobbies, and shared memories of a vivid life above ground.
Pete Massey, is director of Northern economy at ACE. This is a "wonderful celebration" of Britain’s mining communities and their histories, he said.
"We’re proud to support this exciting work that blends our industrial past with bold contemporary art. This project shows how the arts can bring people together, share experiences, and spark new ideas."
And Lynn Dunning, chief executive of the museum, said it was an honour to host works of Mr Wilsher-Mills' caliber.
"His art is engaging, inspirational and totally dynamic, telling the stories of people and communities in a way that leaves a lasting impression," she said. "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."