Those visiting the National Coal Mining Museum for England will now have the opportunity to view a collection of items from the Brass Bands Archive.
The museum in Wakefield, situated on a formerly operational colliery, houses a permanent collection which delves into generations of coal-mining stories through objects, images and art.
As part of a 2025 refresh, items from the Brass Bands Archive will join the existing collection showcasing people, places and events from mining's history. The new display builds on previous work between the Museum and the Archive’s custodians, Brass Bands England, to promote the heritage of brass banding.
Our Archivist Danielle Spargo said "The new archive exhibition case is small but mighty, housing roughly 14 of our favourite items related to mining from the Brass Bands Archive. We have some really fascinating treasures in there relating to banding and mining and it’s great to see them in-context here at the Museum.
I’m excited that visitors will have the chance to discover more about banding’s links to mining, and I hope that banders will also enjoy the opportunity to see some of the historic collection in-person.”
Lynn Dunning, CEO, National Coal Mining Museum England said: “We are thrilled to host this unique collection from the Brass Bands Archive. It offers a rich insight into the cultural heritage of brass banding and its deep connections with the mining community. All collieries had a brass band and they gave people a sense of civic pride. We are sure people will enjoy seeing the pieces and finding out more about their history.”
The material on display will include items from St Hilda Colliery Band’s tour to Canada in 1931, music dedicated to the miners of the British Isles, stunningly colourful Mineworkers Contest programmes, and an armband which commemorates Wingates band and the Pretoria Pit Disaster.
There is a wealth of information on all items featured - QR codes will direct visitors to The Brass Bands Archive blog where these stories are explored in more detail by the Brass Bands Archivist and our Archive Project Coordinator. A selection of items can also be viewed digitally via the Brass Bands Archive Instagram page.
The collection will be housed at the museum until the end of 2025. Entry to the museum and exhibition is free. To plan your visit please check opening times on the National Coal Mining Museum’s website.
To find out more about the Brass Bands Archive please visit brassbandsarchive.com.