Consett Library has recently been the host of a fantastic photography exhibition from local photographer Peter Brabban depicting the final years of the Consett Steel Works and the social unrest which accompanied the closure. For many, these memories will still be vividly etched into the minds of those who were there to witness the protests and marches through the streets but for another large group of younger residents, this is vital imagery to help depict the mood of the times for those who were not there to experience it.
The exhibit had a number of different photographs from Peter Brabban which help to piece together an image of Consett’s past. Landmarks which can be seen in a number of the photographs provide reference points to compare how different things today truly are. Seeing the steel workers marching down Victoria Road with the signage of the Forster’s Butchers clearly in view of the background really helps clarify the fact that this all happened in our small town in North West County Durham.
Whilst the time surrounding the closure of the Consett Steel Works was arguably one of the biggest and most important times in the history of Consett, there are very few landmarks left to really depict the sheer size and scale of what the plant meant to the local people. This exhibition was a great reminder for the people involved alongside those who wanted to know more about Consett’s heritage.
Thank you to Peter Brabban for giving us use of his amazing photographs.