End of Shift by Oliver Kilbourne

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By Oliver Kilbourn By Oliver Kilbourn Laing Art Gallery – End of Shift Laing Art Gallery – End of Shift End of shift was painted by Oliver Kilbourn whom was a coalminer at Ashington pit in Northumberland. His picture shows the miners coming off shift; ‘their faces are blackened by the coal dust. They are wearing hard hats and miners' shorts whilst carrying safety lamps.’ My opinion on End of Shift was that there was a lot of emotion in it despite its simplicity. It reminded me of the hard labor and lifestyles that workers had to follow in order to make money for themselves and their families survival. Oliver Kilbourn was one of the Ashington Group of artists, who painted the life of their mining community. It first came together in 1934 through the Workers Education Association to study 'something different' - art appreciation. The painting class was taught by an art master from Newcastle University in 1934. Eventually, they were named ‘The Pitman Painters.’ A play has now been written about their story. Oliver's pictures are unique. He left school at the age of 12 and spent all of his working life down the pit, but at the same time managed to produce touching, memorable, factually accurate work. Some of his other paintings were: Minor Setting the Prop in the Low Seam, Progging the mat, Longwall Coal Fillers and Ready for Coal Work face. The painting ‘End of shift’ can be found in the Laing art gallery where it was picture of the month in April whilst many other paintings of Oliver Kilbourn can be found in Ashington Woodhorn Museum. End of shift was painted by Oliver Kilbourn whom was a coalminer at Ashington pit in Northumberland. His picture shows the miners coming off shift; ‘their faces are blackened by the coal dust. They are wearing hard hats and miners' shorts whilst carrying safety lamps.’ My opinion on End of Shift was that there

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