Len Tabner

Len Tabner explored the unfamiliar underground world of Boulby Potash Mine in the early 1980s, drawing and painting in situ in the mine.

Len was born in South Bank, south of the River Tees near Middlesbrough. As a child, much of his time was spent around the industry of the area, the ironworks and ship yard, as well as with his father on boat trips to sea – all of which influenced his later artistic work.

Len was intrigued by the mine near his home on the North Yorkshire coast, and particularly the idea that men were working nearly a mile beneath his feet. Determined to explore the UK’s deepest mine for himself, he eventually gained permission and went down for the first time in 1982. He worked underground for two years, watching, drawing and painting.

Memories