From Coal Queens to Comedy Kings: The Sculptures of Graham Ibbeson

This captivating sculpture trail leads you around our beautiful inside and outside spaces, introducing memorable moments of mining history and much-loved performers.

Figures include Coal Widow, part of the Oaks Disaster Memorial, on loan from the NUM as well as celebrated performers such as Eric Morecambe, Laurel & Hardy and Ken Dodd.

Get involved during your visit by striking the famous poses of the characters and tagging the Museum’s social media pages using #CoalQueensComedyKings.

Born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire Graham Ibbeson (known as the “The People’s Sculptor”) has been a professional sculptor since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1978. He has developed an international reputation exhibiting in Galleries throughout Europe, the USA, and Asia. Through his commissions and public work (over 30 public sculptures), Ibbeson has helped regenerate whole areas of cities and towns across the UK.