Maggi Hambling

Michael McGahey, 1925 - 1999. Mining trade unionist

About this artwork

Maggie Hambling's portrait of Michael 'Mick' McGahey shows the retired union leader sitting in front of a banner given to Scottish miners by their Russian counterparts in 1929. McGahey, who went down the pits at fourteen, was a life-long member of the Communist party and a staunch defender of the mining communities. President of the Scottish Area, and Vice-President of the National Union of Mineworkers, he led the Scottish miners during the disputes of the 1970s and 1980s, culminating in the bitter strike of 1984.

Updated before 2020

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Maggi Hambling

Maggi Hambling