THE impact of lead mining on the Yorkshire Dales and the work needed to conserve the remains of the industry are being highlighted in a new exhibition of photographs.
The Yoredale offices of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority in Bainbridge are playing host to the exhibition – “The Hills Afford Great Store of Lead” – until September 25.
The photos form part of the Yorkshire Dales Historic Environment Record – which records all known archaeological and historical sites and buildings in the area – and they were originally taken as part of conservation work.
The park's senior historic environment officer, Robert White said: “The name of the exhibition comes from a quotation by William Camden, one of the first tourists to visit the Yorkshire Dales over 300 years ago in 1695.
“The industry is as important now to landscape as it was then – although perhaps for different reasons. In those days the mines were vital sources of the raw material as well as being centres of employment.”
He added: “Lead mining in the Dales virtually stopped in the late19th-century and when the National Park was designated in 1954 the industry was considered an eyesore that disfigured the natural beauty of the area.
“Today, however, many remains of the industry are recognised as being of national importance and an asset to the area.”
The exhibition, which also includes a rolling set of aerial photographs of the lead industry, is open to the public from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
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