CHAPS had advised on many mining and miners’ memorials in the country and abroad – then realised that although many towns and villages have their own memorial there was no national memorial that honoured all those who had worked in the coal industry – an industry that was central to the lives of thousands of people all over the UK and to the infrastructure of the country.

The memorial stands in its own beautiful site at the National Memorial Arboretum [NMA]National Memorial Arboretum It is 5m long x 2m high x 1m wide, is built of Derbyshire stone and has around it, replicating a drift mine, a frieze made up of 25 bronze plaques depicting the men, women and children who worked in the UK coal industry over hundreds of years. It recognises the colliers’ contribution to the two World Wars as tunnellers and as Bevin Boys. Research has discovered that 45 miners were awarded the Victoria Cross following the Great War, whilst two were awarded the same gallantry medal in WW2.

The memorial provides a focus for everyone – including former miners and their families – to reflect, to remember and to learn more. Crosses bearing names of individuals or groups, or remembering particular incidents, are often left at the memorial. It has become one of the most visited at the NMA and is included in the commentary heard when using the land train there.

The unframed line drawings by Francesca DeComyn have been produced in limited editions of 25 signed and numbered prints. Each comes with a light grey coloured mount and information regarding the plaque. They measure 8" x 10" with the mount.