['Driving the heading shaft no 23', 'After the blast. No 23'] before 1887

P.K. Yates made these photographs, titled 'Driving the heading shaft no 23' and 'After the blast. No 23'. The images capture scenes from the industrial process of mining, likely using a camera and darkroom techniques typical of the time. What strikes me is the way Yates documented not just the result of labor, but the labor itself. The photographs offer a rare glimpse into the dangerous and demanding conditions faced by workers in this industry. The grainy texture and stark contrast, characteristic of early photography, convey a sense of the harsh environment. Consider the weight of the materials being extracted, the physical effort required, and the potential risks involved. The images serve as a reminder of the human cost behind industrial progress. By focusing on the materiality of the mining process and the social context of labor, Yates's photographs challenge traditional notions of fine art. It prompts us to consider the value and dignity of work, and the importance of bearing witness to the lives and experiences of those who shape our world.