In this post, I share 15 new photographs I took on my first outing to the Hammer & Chisel coal mine. So join me in exploring a new location photographically. 

The Ruhr Area that has been my home for all of my life features many old pit heads. Whereas they once have been the center of the working life of countless mine workers, they serve as landmarks for the region and its heritage of steel and coal mining – a heritage that pretty much defines the cultural identity of the people who live here.

Since December 2021, the shaft tower and two adjacent chimneys of the Hammer & Chisel coal mine (in German this is Zeche Schlägel und Eisen) have been beautifully illuminated, giving these landmarks of the past a futuristic look that may very well remain modern and appealing way into the 21st century. 

Despite the number of angles being limited, this location is well worth a visit there. Especially around dusk, it is fascinating to see the illumination in the waning evening light and coming to full glory in the dark of the night.

Here are the 15 new photographs. As always, clicking on the thumbnails will open the photos in an almost distraction-free lightbox.

Prints are available on request.

If you are interested in this subject matter, you might also want to check out my image from the Zeche Zollverein Industrial Complex (a world heritage site).

Enjoy!