By Joshua Robinson – 

The National Coal Mining Museum for England is delighted to announce the opening of a site-wide exhibition featuring the work of Graham Ibbeson.

From Coal Queens to Comedy Kings: The Sculptures of Graham Ibbeson, opens on Saturday 11th January 2025 and is a unique trail that spans the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces. It offers a fascinating journey through important moments in mining history while celebrating beloved performers throughout the work of world-renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson.

While exploring the trail, which is free to enter, visitors will see the Coal Widow, the Oaks Disaster, 1866, Memorial, on loan from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), and other memorials linked to the coal industry. The trail, on display until Sunday 7th September 2025, also features sculptures of celebrated performers such as Eric Morecambe, Laurel & Hardy, and Ken Dodd who all have links to coal and mining.

Sculptures across the Museum include gallery spaces, buildings, café, and pony stables. Visitors are encouraged to get involved by striking the poses of some of these iconic characters and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #CoalQueensComedyKings.

Lynn Dunning, CEO National Coal Mining Museum, said: “We are delighted to be working with the People’s Sculptor, Graham Ibbeson once again. This exhibition is a wonderful way to discover more about the history of coal mining and the well-loved comedy characters that have links to the industry. It will take you around our unique museum, including its historic industrial buildings and link you to our amazing collections along the way. It’s a great way to explore and makes for a perfect trip out.”

It will be an unforgettable exploration of mining heritage and entertainment history. For more information, please visit: https://www.ncm.org.uk/

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