Bassetlaw Museum is inviting people to visit two new exhibitions that celebrate the area’s strong mining history and the communities connected to it.
'Black Dust, Bright Stories' brings together artwork, photographs, keepsakes and objects from former miners and from the museum collection, to tell the stories of local mining life.
The exhibitions were created in partnership with The Oasis Centre in Kilton to help celebrate the people, places and memories shaped by mining across the district, helping to keep these important stories alive for future generations.
Dr Mike Galer, Curator at Bassetlaw Museum said: “This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Bassetlaw’s mining heritage and the people whose lives and communities were shaped by it.
"By bringing together photographs, objects, artwork and personal stories, we hope visitors will enjoy discovering more about this important part of our local history and the lasting impact it has had on the district.”
Visitors can enjoy photographs from the museum’s collection alongside new mining-inspired artwork. This includes oil paintings, portraits, and pieces made by Oasis service users using materials found around Langold Lake. In addition, a further display in the music room reveals objects never seen before from the collection and new ones acquired during this project, illustrating Health and Safety, and the welfare of mining communities.
The exhibition is a chance to look back at an important part of Bassetlaw’s past, celebrate the people who helped shape it, and share their stories with the wider community.
The 'Black Dust, Bright Stories' exhibition and workshops have been supported by £3k of Museum Development Midlands funding.
Last Updated on Thursday, October 15, 2026