The Ashington Group Gallery

Experience the world of the Pitmen Painters, the famous amateur art group from Ashington, through their art

The Ashington Group, also known as the Pitmen Painters, produced hundreds of paintings showing what life was like both above and below ground for their mining communities in Northumberland.

They began as an art appreciation class in 1934, through the WEA (Workers Education Association). Their tutor wanted them to learn about art though ‘doing’ so the group started to paint.

Over the next 50 years the Ashington Group met weekly, experimenting with techniques and materials. The story of the Ashington Group would later inspire Lee Hall’s famous play ‘The Pitmen Painters’.

The Ashington Group Collection is on permanent display in a dedicated gallery with the support of the Ashington Group Trustees.

This experience is included at no additional cost as part of your Museums Northumberland Annual Membership where children can visit for free.

Spotlight Tour: The Pitmen Painters tour. Daily, 12noon and 3pm.

Membership is required for entry onto the museum site, but the membership is valid for 12 months and includes unlimited return visits.

Membership Prices for Woodhorn Museum:

Adult: £7.00 (Multiple adult purchased at the same time: £6.50).

Concession (OAP and student) £6.00

Children 16 and under are admitted free at all Museums Northumberland venues.

Parking charges still apply on FREE community event days at Woodhorn Museum including Invasion Day and the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic.