PUBLISHED for the first time as a complete set, the high-quality reproductions in this book illustrate the unique collection of early 19th century North Pennine lead mining watercolours and pen-and-ink sketches owned by the Science Museum Library in London.

Each illustration with its location and date is explained by the author, who was for many years director of the Killhope Lead Mining Museum. These give a great insight into the people who kept this important industry going from the time of the Napoleonic Wars – the miners, carriers and agents who worked in the dales of East and West Allendale, the upper reaches of the Wear, Tees and Derwent in County Durham, and in the Alston Moor area of Cumbria.

All proceeds from book sales will support future maintenance of the Dukesfield Arches near Hexham, the remains of a once huge lead smelting mill which has been recently conserved.