Pitmen at Play

Henry Perlee Parker’s ‘Pitmen at Play’ series was the first realistic depiction of miners in everyday surroundings. One of this series was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1836 – and is believed to be the earliest example of mining art to be accepted there.

This painting shows a group of miners playing marbles. They are covered in coal dust and have their tools and mine safety lamps with them, showing that they have come straight from their work underground. A steam boiler is visible behind them, together with the pithead wheel seen through the background smog. Two girls warm themselves by a brazier of coals and another child protects her food from a hungry dog.

Gemini Collection, Zurbarán Trust

ArtistHenry Perlee Parker

Year1838

MediumOil on canvas