Coal Lines was an interactive installation exploring Wakefield District’s coal mining heritage.
The sites of the 34 collieries that once existed in the Wakefield District (post-nationalisation in 1947) were mapped out on the floor of WX (Wakefield Council’s new large-scale exhibition space), with a unique floor graphic created for each site.
These graphics featured a drawing of the winding gear and mining machinery from each colliery, the depth of that mine and a musical note.
23 of these graphics were illuminated by a beam of light projected from coal mining helmets attached to pillars. When the beam of light was broken, a note sounded. The depth of the note related to the depth of that mine; the deeper the mine, the lower the note. These 23 sites marked the collieries that were still running when the Wakefield District was formed in 1974.
Local ex-miners were interviewed about their experiences of working down the mines, and their voices formed a unique soundtrack to accompany the installation.
Coal Lines was a collaboration with composer Andy Wright and the research and development company XPLOR.
Tony Wade 