‘I am Coal’ explores the experience of the 1984-85 miners’ strike in County Durham. The design of the publication is inspired by local mining badges and banners. It also includes a range of Keith Pattison’s thought-provoking photographs of County Durham during the strike. I particularly enjoyed creating this book as it is personal to me since I live in County Durham and know people who were involved in the strike. Furthermore, the subject area connects with my interests in politics and social history.
Thank you to Heather Wood and George Lisgo for taking the time to talk to me about their experience of the miners’ strike. This gave me invaluable personal insights which allowed me to create an authentic response to the subject area.