Forty years after the pivotal 1984-1985 miners' strike, the legacy of this historic event continues to resonate deeply within the communities of County Durham. A new exhibition, "Going Back Brockens: Monuments and Rhetoric After the Miners' Strike," offers a poignant exploration of the lasting impact of the strike on the region's landscape and people. Through a three-part display of paintings, sound installations, and community archives, the exhibition delves into the complex emotions of loss, transformation, and resilience that have shaped the post-strike era.

Artist Narbi Price, who co-curated the exhibition, has long been fascinated by the enduring influence of mining on the region. "I find it really interesting that we have generations of people living in places that are entirely shaped by mining, but might have no living memory of it themselves," he said. This disconnect between the physical landscape and the collective memory of its history forms the core of Price's artistic inquiry.

The exhibition features 40 paintings created by Price during the 40th anniversary year of the miners' strike. These works depict former colliery sites as they appear today—silent spaces once central to working-class life, now reclaimed, repurposed, or left behind. Each painting captures the essence of these sites, highlighting the stark contrast between their past and present states. "These places were once bustling hubs of activity, but now they stand as silent monuments to a bygone era," Price explained.

To complement the visual narrative, writer Mark Hudson contributed sound installations featuring recorded interviews from his 1991 book, "Coming Back Brockens." These interviews, conducted with those who lived through the strike, provide a firsthand account of the struggles and triumphs of the time. "The 86 hours of interviews I did in Horden 30 years ago were largely concerned with the miners' strike, which was then very recent," Hudson said. "In between the strike and me arriving in the village, the pit had closed."

The combination of Price's paintings and Hudson's sound installations creates a multi-sensory experience that invites viewers to reflect on the past while contemplating the present. "The combination of paintings and sound explores not only what was lost, but what remains, what has changed, and how people continue to define their places and memories decades after the last coal was mined," Price said.

To further enrich the exhibition, Price and Hudson invited members of the public to share their stories and contribute videos to a community archive. This collaborative effort ensures that the exhibition remains grounded in the lived experiences of those who have been directly affected by the strike and its aftermath. "It's important to include the voices of the community, as they are the ones who have truly experienced the changes and continue to live with their consequences," Price emphasized.

The exhibition opens on 13 June at the Warehouse in Newgate Shopping Centre, Bishop Auckland, and will later form part of the 139th Durham Miners' Gala on 12 July. This timing is significant, as it coincides with the annual celebration of the miners' legacy and their contributions to the region. The gala, a longstanding tradition, serves as a reminder of the miners' resilience and the community's enduring spirit.

The impact of the miners' strike extends beyond the closure of collieries and the transformation of landscapes. It has left an indelible mark on the collective psyche of the region, shaping the identities and memories of those who call County Durham home. The exhibition "Going Back Brockens" offers a space for reflection, inviting viewers to consider the profound changes that have occurred over the past four decades and the ways in which these changes continue to influence the present.

Through the juxtaposition of visual art and oral history, the exhibition provides a nuanced understanding of the miners' strike and its aftermath. It highlights the resilience of the community, the importance of preserving collective memory, and the ongoing process of redefining identity in the face of change. "Going Back Brockens" is not just a retrospective; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of County Durham and their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.

"Going Back Brockens: Monuments and Rhetoric After the Miners' Strike" is a powerful and timely exhibition that offers a multifaceted exploration of the miners' strike and its lasting impact. By combining visual art, sound installations, and community contributions, the exhibition provides a rich and immersive experience that invites viewers to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and consider the future. As the region continues to evolve, the legacy of the miners' strike remains a vital part of its history, shaping the identities and memories of generations to come.