Our Future We Build From Our Past Mural

Whilst not in a popular tourist spot, amural of a miner holding his safety lamp is worth seeking out if you are in Horden near Peterlee. Lewis Hobson, AKA Durham Spray Paints has given another masterclass in social history, showing how a miner can look romantic.

Lewis explains that the piece was commissioned in partnership with loads of local people, including Creative Youth Opportunities, Ian Horn, Chumschalks, and Sean Gooch.

We're not sure if there is an official name for the mural, but the message on the lamp read 'Our future we build from the past' so that's what are going to refer to it as.

The light from the lamp reflecting on the miner's face shows how much he is concentrating. Sean Gooch is the model for this work. Lewis met him at this hub. Sean helps people with health issues, he brings mining gear, which he is passionate about and talks to people about them. He was a natural choice to be the reference in the mural.

We wondered ohw long the mural took to build, fortunately Lewis was on hand with the answer.

Here are some of Durham Spray Paints photos of the progress, along with Scribbly bits (technical term), Lewis up the ladder, the unveiling and Sean Gooch in front of his likeness.

The message on the lamp is 'Our future we build from the past'. This marks the 125th anniversary of mining in Horden village. It stopped in 1987. Ian Horn who is local came up with the quote. You may have seen his work quoted in Spennymoor murals "Drinking in the brush strokes".

The mural is on the side wall of a converted terrace building, now The Coal Regeneration Trust. Known colloquially as the Hub.

Horden was once known as a huge mining concern. The mine was operated mainly for the purpose of working undersea coal, and had three shafts. There is more information about its history at Warren House Gill, which is a couple of miles away.

This mural is close to the football ground with its famous turnstiles, and Horden Wellie, which is worth a visit (it has toilets, a tea shop, and a small museum to peruse, along with an attractive park).

My thanks go to Lewis Hobson for his insights and use of his photographs. You can read up more about his artwork at Durham Spray Paints in the collections section.

You are only a short distance from Durham Heritage Coast.