Explore the inextricable link between coal mining and the railways.
Born out of the necessity to transport coal, both below and above ground, the development of the railways was powered by the mining industry. Coal fuelled iron, iron made rails, rails moved coal – the great engineering cycle at the heart of the Industrial Revolution was complete and nowhere did its heart beat more strongly than in the Great Northern Coalfield. Uncover the story through the work of artists who witnessed this social and technological transformation, and those who have been inspired by it since.
This exhibition will be running alongside the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) 200th anniversary festival in 2025.

Get a National Art Pass and explore The Auckland Project
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at The Auckland Project
Visitor information
Address
The Auckland Project, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP
01388 743750
Opening times
Open Wednesday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10:30 – 16:00
Spanish Gallery
Mining Art Gallery
Auckland Tower
Auckland Palace & Gardens
(Deer Park open dawn-dusk)
Exclusions and safety measures
From 5 March 2025, entry to the Spanish Gallery will be by guided tour only. Enjoy a one-hour tour at 11am or 2pm, included with Arts Pass. Book on the day at Auckland Tower or the Spanish Gallery.
Visitor information
What else is on at The Auckland Project
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.