By Joshua Robinson – 

An exhibition showcasing the career and work of Martyn Pitt, the national photographer for the coal industry, enters its final weeks at the National Coal Mining Museum for England, closing on Sunday 18th February.

In a first for the Museum, Pitt’s portfolio of the final years of coal mining is now also available virtually through a 3D tour.

Pitt documented the evolution and twilight years of coal mining throughout his 30-year tenure behind the lens, retiring in 2012. The focal point of the exhibition is Pitt’s underground photography, offering visitors an exclusive glimpse into the stories, conditions, and practices from the industry’s last years.

The Museum acquired Pitt’s image archive in 2014, covering the privatisation period from 1994 to 2012, featuring film negatives and digital photographs from his time at British Coal, RJB Mining, and UK Coal. These images served various purposes, appearing in mining reviews, safety posters, newspapers, and more, making them the sole visual record of mining during that period.

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For visitors unable to see in person this first major presentation of Martyn Pitt’s legacy of work before its closure on 18th February, there is now the chance to experience the exhibition virtually with the Museum’s newly launched 3D digital tour.

Viewers can listen to Pitt’s stories from behind the lens with exclusive soundbites, explore his photography up-close, and read captions from the comfort of their own homes wherever they are in the world.

This virtual tour solidifies the Museum’s status as a national institution and was created by Yorkshire-based Front Row Live brothers Josh and Harry Walker, who specialise in creating immersive 3D and 360° experiences.

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum for England said: “We are thrilled to launch our first 3D exhibition tour, and we look forward to continuing this with our future exhibitions. It is great timing as with the launch of 84/85 – The Longest Year in March, we’ll be able to reach new audiences, both nationally and globally, with our exciting digital offer.”