Coal Town (Hardcover 2025 Edition)

‘You have to be in the tribe to photograph the tribe. You have to do the same dance.’ Mik Critchlow

Mik was certainly one of the tribe. Ashington born and bred, he was a familiar and welcome presence in his hometown. Dedicating his life to documenting his corner of North East England, he created a striking archive of every aspect of community life:  galas, whippet racing, shopkeepers and tradespeople at work, bingo, football, children playing, gossip in the hairdressers and everyday life on the streets and in people’s homes.

Perhaps, his most important work is the many images of coal mining – the raison d’être of Ashington. Mik’s father, brother and grandfather had spent their working lives as miners and his deeply moving photographs chronicle the last days of an industry that had driven Britain’s industrial revolution. The BBC described Mik as ‘a working class hero’. He was indeed an inspirational photographer who recognised the importance of capturing his tribe for the benefit of generations to come. Coal Town is a tribute to his vision and commitment.

Published by Image & Reality 2025