Home > Europe > United Kingdom > Wales > Mid Glamorgan > Caerphilly
Senghenydd Colliery canary, Glamorgan, South Wales
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Senghenydd Colliery canary, Glamorgan, South Wales
Two miners at the Universal Pit, Senghenydd Colliery, near Caerphilly, Glamorgan, South Wales, with a caged canary which was used to test the air for gas, or lack of oxygen. The men are carrying early versions of the oil safety lamp
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4474315
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10428635
Caerphilly Cage Caged Canary Caps Coal Coal Mine Colliery Flat Glamorgan Lack Lamp Lamps Mine Miner Miners Mining Oxygen Safety Test
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Wales
> Glamorgan
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Wales
> Mid Glamorgan
> Caerphilly
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> Coal Mining
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the daily routine of coal mining in the early 20th century at Senghenydd Colliery in Glamorgan, South Wales. Two miners are seen in this historical image, carefully carrying a caged canary and early versions of the oil safety lamp as they make their way to the Universal Pit near Caerphilly. The men's faces are etched with the weariness and determination that comes with the arduous work of coal mining. The canary in the cage was a vital part of the miners' safety routine. The bird's sensitivity to gas and lack of oxygen made it an essential tool in detecting dangerous conditions in the coal mines. If the canary fell off its perch or stopped singing, the miners knew they needed to evacuate the area immediately. The early oil safety lamps in the miners' hands were a significant improvement over the traditional coal gas lamps. These lamps produced a flame that burned without producing the toxic gases that were a common hazard in coal mines. The men wore flat caps to protect their heads from the heat and debris that came with the mining process. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the dangerous conditions that coal miners faced in the past. It also highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the miners, who used the canary and the oil safety lamp to help keep themselves safe in the often-deadly environment of the coal mine. The image is a testament to the rich industrial history of Wales and the sacrifices made by the miners to extract the coal that powered the nation.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.