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THE EXHIBITION
Photo: Behind the scenes - Dancer Harry Wilson
26 OCTOBER – 13 NOVEMBER 2026
ALNWICK PLAYHOUSE • WOODHORN MUSEUM • DANCE CITY
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Eliot Smith’s PITMAN and the 15th anniversary of Eliot Smith Dance, this exhibition brings together ten photographs inspired by paintings and illustrations created by the Ashington Group (1934–1984), also known as the Pitmen Painters.
Photographed by award-winning photographer John Lyons at Woodhorn Museum and across Ashington, the images capture moments from the dance work PITMAN. They celebrate the people, places and everyday lives of South East Northumberland’s mining communities.
Bringing together painting, dance and photography, the exhibition celebrates the artistic legacy of the Ashington Group and the communities that continue to inspire PITMAN.
“Since I joined this Group, I see everything differently, or at least I see it deeper.”
— Oliver Kilbourn, Ashington Group artist
The paintings that inspire PITMAN and the photographs
Creatives
John Lyons — Photographer
John Lyons is an award-winning photographer from Durham, specialising in performing arts and live music photography. His work aims to capture the passion, emotion and communication at the heart of the performances he photographs.
Much of John’s work takes place in intimate jazz clubs across London, New York and the North East of England. In 2022, he was an award winner at the inaugural Abbey Road Music Photography Awards and has since exhibited his work in London, Guildford and Durham.
John has worked with Eliot Smith Dance on numerous occasions, photographing rehearsals and performances and capturing the energy, character and artistry of the company’s work.
Eliot Smith
Creative Director
Lucy Minta Reeves
Costume Designer
James Mawson
Apprentice Dancer
Yamit Salazar
Dancer
Olivia Kirk
Dancer
Harry
Dancer
Jasmine Daniels
Dancer
Florence Jones
Dancer
Acknowledgments
PITMAN: The Exhibition is created with the kind permission of the Ashington Group Trustees, with thanks to Woodhorn Museum | North East Museums, Alnwick Playhouse, Dance City, The Chip Inn, and DS Colour Labs Ltd.
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
