A remarkable collection of sculptures depicting life in a traditional Yorkshire mining village is on display for the first time in more than two decades.

Villagers marks the centenary of Yorkshire-born sculptor Betty Miller and brings together her celebrated work My Village at the National Coal Mining Museum.

The exhibition also showcases newly created artworks by contemporary artists Lenny & Whale, inspired by Miller's iconic sculptures and the people and places of Royston, near Barnsley.

The exhibition is the culmination of Sculpting the Community, an ambitious project led by the museum that places creativity, heritage and community storytelling at its heart.

Alison Cooper collections Engagement Manager Exhibitions and digital is pictured with a sculpture by Betty Miller called Our Backyard. Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme

placeholder image — Alison Cooper collections Engagement Manager Exhibitions and digital is pictured with a sculpture by Betty Miller called Our Backyard. Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme

At the centre of the exhibition is My Village, Ms Miller's collection of 32 bronze sculptures that vividly captures everyday life in the mining community where she grew up.

Rich in detail and character, the work offers a powerful snapshot of Yorkshire's coalfield communities and the people who shaped them.

The exhibition, which is on until January 24, represents a rare opportunity to experience one of Yorkshire's most significant sculptural works alongside new artworks that reimagine Miller's world through a modern lens.

Through a series of artist-led workshops with schools and community groups across Wakefield and Barnsley, by Lenny & Whale, local people have explored their own stories, identities and experiences, creating new artworks inspired by Ms Miller's vision.

One of the sculptures by Betty Miller Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme

Visitors to the exhibition will encounter a vibrant collection of sculptures made in ceramic, repurposed wood and cardboard, alongside a series of striking 2D and 3D drawings.

Lenny & Whale spent time researching the local community, exploring the area and documenting its people and places through photography, sketches and observation.

Their work brings to life the unique character, stories and personalities that make Royston special, offering a fresh and imaginative interpretation of the village.

The centenary exhibition also shines a spotlight on the achievements of Ms Miller, a talented sculptor, ceramist and educator whose distinguished career spanned the UK and Australia.

Inspired by pioneering female artists including Barbara Hepworth, Miller's work stands as an enduring testament to the creativity, resilience and spirit of Yorkshire's mining communities.

Following its debut at the National Coal Mining Museum, Villagers will tour to venues including Royston Library and the Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland, taking these stories and artworks to audiences across the country.

Lynn Dunning, CEO, National Coal Mining Museum for England said: “Sculpture is an important part of Wakefield’s identity and to showcase the incredible work of Betty, a Yorkshire artist is a real honour for the Museum.

"We have a stunning collection of artwork including sculpture in our collections and for ‘My Village’ to be seen for the first time in 20 years is very special.

“The detail and skill really in the work, really is something to be seen.”