East Cleveland is a semi-rural area in North East England.
In the mid-1800s its agricultural economy was transformed by the discovery of ironstone, which saw rapid industrial growth and an influx of workers seeking employment in the mines and steelworks.
Many of the villages and small towns were either created for the workers or saw rapid expansion.
The last ironstone mine closed in 1964 and the remaining blast furnace was demolished in 1973. Since then the area has seen economic decline, with fewer job opportunities and poor infrastructure.
These black and white images are embellished with iron ochre that has been discharged from abandoned ironstone mines and collected from Skinningrove Beck. They reflect the indelible marks of industry that are still visible in these once thriving communities.
The Norman landowners of this area were the De Brus family. The motto displayed on the De Brus coat of arms was Fuimus - Latin for 'We Have Been.'
Exhibitions:
FUIMUS / DENBORA: Nicholas Wesson and Mark Coverdale. Gallery 121, London. June 2026
Ryedale Photography & Film Festival Open Call. June - August 2026
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art Baltic Open 2026. September 2026 - April 2027
Longacres Pit
Skinningrove Works
Zetland Foundry
Skinningrove Sheds
Skinningrove Jetty
Kilton Pit Shale Heap
