The miner comes to town Exhibition London 1951

The 1951 poster titled “The Miner Comes to Town” by James Holland is a striking promotional piece created for an exhibition in London, organized by the National Coal Board (NCB). This exhibition, held on Old Quebec Street near Marble Arch, was a significant event aimed at educating the public about the coal mining industry, which was the backbone of Britain’s post-war economy.

James Holland's design effectively captures the industrial essence of coal mining, using bold, contrasting colors and sharp graphic lines. The deep blue background serves as a dramatic canvas for the central layout of the exhibition space, which is depicted as a diagrammatic map of a mine. The red lines on the map guide viewers through the various exhibits, illustrating the complex process of coal mining, from extraction to its impact on the world. The use of a silhouetted mine shaft in the background provides a visual anchor, symbolizing the importance of mining in British industry.

The exhibition's layout, as shown in the poster, promises an immersive experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into life inside the mines, the mechanics of coal extraction, and the broader significance of coal in Britain’s industrial landscape. The poster prominently advertises the accessibility of the exhibition, with its affordable admission price of sixpence and a special guided tour for just one shilling.

This poster is not only a piece of graphic design but also a reflection of the post-war era in the UK, where coal was crucial to the national recovery effort. The National Coal Board used exhibitions like this to bolster public support for the coal industry, which was facing challenges from modernization and shifts in energy consumption.

Overall, Holland’s poster is a visually engaging representation of the coal industry's central role in Britain's history, encapsulating the educational and promotional objectives of the 1951 exhibition.

Original Poster

Industry - Exhibition - United Kingdom

NCB - Perry Colourprint ltd London

Good condition, slight creases