Doncaster is proud of its mining heritage. For decades it was the lifeblood of many of our communities. We want to recognise that fact with a piece of iconic art - right in the heart of our town - which the people of Doncaster can call their own.

We’re excited to have international artist Laurence Edwards at the helm of this project. Laurence has been commissioned by Doncaster Council to design a distinctive sculpture drawing on the memories of our former miners and their families and capturing their experiences of living and working in the borough’s mining villages.

The sculpture will celebrate our mining history and the immense spirit of our communities while looking forward to the future to capture the hearts and imaginations of future generations.

Laurence has already met hundreds of local people – the meetings have extra significance as Laurence has sculpted the portraits of people from mining communities in wax whilst they told their stories, an incredible and moving experience for both parties. These will be later cast in bronze and hopefully be a part of the figurative, bronze mining statue.

The final design will be revealed at the ‘A Rich Seam’ exhibition that will take place at Frenchgate shopping centre. You can view Laurence’s drawn designs and a 10ft mock-up of the final design from Monday 2nd July to Saturday 28th July. 10am – 4pm (closed Sundays).

The funds to make the sculpture will be raised via crowdfunding,

View my website https://www.facebook.com/miningstatue/