A moving new collection of poems, prose, and photographs, The Coal Anthology, is set to launch on Saturday, 9 November at the National Coal Mining Museum in England. This powerful anthology, edited by Sarah Wimbush, Ann Sansom, and Peter Sansom, marks the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike, offering an evocative exploration of this pivotal period in British history.
The launch event, held from 2 pm to 3:30 pm at the museum, will feature live readings by the editors and contributors, bringing to life the diverse voices and stories captured in the anthology. Among the contributors is Gillian Clarke, former national poet of Wales, whose poem is included in the collection alongside works by other renowned poets such as Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Liz Berry, Ian McMillan, and Helen Mort. The anthology also showcases newer voices, reflecting the deeply rooted connection many have to mining communities and their history.
“The COAL Anthology is a moving and impactful tribute to the resilience and spirit of our mining communities,” said Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum. “This collection not only commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike but also brings to life the voices and stories that shaped this pivotal moment in history. We are honoured to launch this anthology at the National Coal Mining Museum, where we share the memories and the stories of the miners through our collections and incredible underground experience.”
Throughout 2024, The Poetry Business, an independent press and development agency, collaborated with the museum to run workshops that inspired poets from the North of England and Wales to create pieces reflecting on the strike, its events, and its aftermath. Some of these new works are featured in the anthology, with an expanded digital collection set to launch in 2026 to explore the era further.
Based in Sheffield, The Poetry Business has spent nearly four decades nurturing poetic talent and preserving the stories of communities across the UK. This latest project underscores its commitment to amplifying voices from diverse backgrounds through books, workshops, and events. In addition to publishing The Coal Anthology, The Poetry Business publishes The North, a literary magazine, and leads poetry courses and an advanced Writing School for published poets.
For those interested in attending the launch, tickets are £5 and can be purchased online. For more information about the event, visit Ticket Tailor, and to learn more about the museum and its exhibits, visit National Coal Mining Museum.
