A hand made limited edition art print by an acclaimed British artist celebrating the communities of the Durham Coalfield has been produced for the 2025 Gala.
We Are Still Here! by Bob and Roberta Smith celebrates the resilience and solidarity of the former mining communities that are maintaining the union banners more than a generation since the closure of the last Durham coal mine.
Patrick Brill known professionally as Bob and Roberta Smith, is a leading British artist. Renowned for his iconic slogan-based artwork, his best-known pieces include Make Art Not War (1997), now held in the Tate collection.
For this year’s Gala, he has created We Are Still Here! The artwork celebrates the resilience and solidarity of our Durham Coalfield communities keeping our traditions alive. The print features the names of the 77 communities of the Durham Coalfield that in 2025 have active banner groups keeping the flame alive.
The original artwork, hand-painted on plywood, has been expertly digitised for the giclée printing process. Each print will be professionally produced on fine art paper, individually numbered and signed by the artist.
Bob and Roberta Smith prints usually sell for £200–£300. A donation of £50 or more to the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala secures your limited edition print. So, as well as an opportunity to own a great and meaningful work of art - and support the Gala - this could be a great investment!
All proceeds from this time-limited edition will go directly to support the Gala. However many are ordered by 5pm on Wednesday 16 July will determine the edition size - no more will be made after that. It can also be ordered at the Gala shop marquee near the Racecourse pavilion on Gala day.
Print size: A3 Process: Giclee Paper: Fotospeed Studio Etching Rag 295gsm
More about the artist
Bob and Roberta Smith is an associate professor at the School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University and has curated public art projects such as Art U Need. He was curator for the 2006 Peace Camp and created the 2013 Art Party to promote contemporary art and advocacy. His works have been exhibited and are in collections in Europe and the United States. Brill co-founded The Ken Ardley Playboys and hosts the Make Your Own Damn Music radio show.
Find out more: http://bobandrobertasmith.co.uk/
