Contemporary Art Exhibition @ National Mining Museum Scotland
Powerful new exhibition shines a light on Scotland’s mining heritage through contemporary art
National Mining Museum Scotland has launched Beneath the Surface, a compelling new exhibition by acclaimed artist Paul McGinty exploring the lives, memories and enduring legacy of Scotland’s mining communities.
Running until 29 August, Beneath the Surface showcases a striking collection of abstract paintings by Fife artist Paul McGinty, inspired by the voices and lived experiences of miners and their communities.
Created through extensive research into historic archives and conversations with former miners, the exhibition combines bold colour, rich textures and expressive mark-making to tell stories that are deeply rooted in Scotland’s industrial past while inviting audiences to reflect on its enduring legacy. Rather than depicting mining in a literal sense, McGinty’s work captures the emotion, resilience and identity of the communities shaped by the coal industry.
The exhibition is presented in the museum’s Activity Room and is included with standard museum admission. Visitors can also access the exhibition separately with a suggested donation, making it easy for everyone to experience this powerful contemporary interpretation of Scotland’s mining heritage.
Ray Lafferty, Curator at National Mining Museum Scotland, said:
“At National Mining Museum Scotland, we’re passionate about preserving not only the machinery and buildings that tell Scotland’s mining story, but also the memories and experiences of the people who lived it. Paul’s exhibition offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on that heritage. Through contemporary art, he captures the resilience, pride and humanity of mining communities, encouraging visitors to connect with their stories in a powerful and emotional way.”
For McGinty, the exhibition represents the culmination of a deeply personal journey into the history of Fife’s coalfields. Influenced by stories shared by former miners and their families, his paintings seek to evoke memories for those connected to the industry while introducing new audiences to an important chapter of Scotland’s social history.
Paul McGinty said:
“This exhibition has been inspired by the voices of former miners and the communities whose lives were shaped by the coal industry. Rather than creating literal representations of mining, I wanted to explore the emotions, memories and connections that still exist today. I hope visitors take time to reflect on the people behind Scotland’s industrial heritage and perhaps see familiar stories and landscapes in a new light.”
National Mining Museum Scotland, based at the iconic Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, is home to one of Europe’s best-preserved Victorian colliery sites and cares for the nationally significant collection that tells the story of Scotland’s coal mining industry. Beneath the Surface complements the museum’s collections by exploring mining heritage through contemporary art, encouraging visitors to connect with the people behind the industry as well as the places where they lived and worked.
Visitor Information
Beneath the Surface
Artist: Paul McGinty
Dates: 3 July – 29 August
Location: Activity Room, National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am–5pm
National Mining Museum Scotland
For further information, please contact:
Gillian Rankin, Marketing & Events Manager – marketing@nationalminingmuseum.com
