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:
A joint exhibition of work from Nicholas Wesson and Mark Coverdale. June 2026 at Gallery 121, London.
Ryedale Photography & Film Festival
Open Call. June - August 2026
Longacres Pit
Skinningrove Works
Zetland Foundry
Skinningrove Sheds
Skinningrove Jetty
Kilton Pit Shale Heap
