To mark the 10th anniversary of Eliot Smith’s PITMAN, and with the kind permission of the Ashington Group Trustees, PITMAN: The Exhibition brings together 10 new photographic interpretations of paintings and illustrations connected to the work. Photographed at Woodhorn Museum by award-winning photographer John Lyons, each image captures a moment from one of the sections of PITMAN, creating a visual journey through the choreography while returning to the original inspiration of the Ashington Group also known as the Pitmen Painters.
The exhibition creates a new dimension to this artistic legacy: from the original paintings, to dance, and now photography.
The original works that inspire PITMAN and the photographs are:
Coal Tubs Off The Way (Underground) — George Brown
The Bar – Playing Dominoes — Andrew Foreman
Fish and Chips — Fred Laidler
Dawn – Ashington Colliery — Oliver Kilbourn
Jazz Band Parade — J. F. Harrison
The Miner — Leslie Brownrigg
The Xmas Tree — Harry Wilson
Whippets — George Blessed
Progging the Mat — Oliver Kilbourn
The Bowler — Len Robinson
Presented across Alnwick Playhouse, Woodhorn Museum and Dance City from 26 October to 13 November 2026, the exhibition provides a unique insight into the visual world behind PITMAN and the North East mining communities, characters and everyday experiences that continue to inspire the work.
The exhibition leads into the 2026 iteration of PITMAN at Alnwick Playhouse on 11 November 2026, marking ten years since the work was first created.
Official Opening
Monday 26 October 2026 | 6.00–7.00pm
Dance City, Newcastle upon Tyne
Join us at Dance City for the official opening of PITMAN: The Exhibition.
The evening will begin at 6.00pm with short speeches from representatives of Dance City, photographer John Lyons and Eliot Smith, followed by a special excerpt from PITMAN. Guests are then invited to explore the exhibition and celebrate the launch with light refreshments.
The official opening is free to attend, but booking is required.
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.
Credits
PITMAN: The Exhibition is created with the kind permission of the Ashington Group Trustees, with thanks to Woodhorn Museum | North East Museums, Alnwick Playhouse and Dance City.
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
