Former Whitburn Colliery worker wins Robert Olley artwork in museum raffle

A South Shields resident and long-time admirer of local artist Robert Olley’s work, has been announced as the winner of a museum raffle, taking home Bob Olley’s original oil painting The Windy Pick. The raffle, organised by North East Museums, has raised funds to support South Shields Museum & Art Gallery. In total, ticket sales generated just under £3,000, with all proceeds going directly towards essential operational costs.  

The raffle winner, Michael Curry from South Shields said:  
“I was absolutely over the moon. I couldn’t quite believe it. I’ve admired Bob’s work for years and already have several of his prints, so to win an original painting is something I never imagined would happen. It really means so much to me. 

“It’s definitely going to take pride of place in my home, where I can see it every day. I’ve already got a small collection of Bob’s prints, so it feels right to have the original displayed alongside them.” 

Born at the Olley family home on George Potts Street, South Shields, in 1940, Bob followed his father and uncles into the local mining industry at the age of 17. He began working at Whitburn Colliery in 1957 and remained there until its closure in 1968. Growing up, Bob had no doubt that he would follow in his father’s footsteps.  
He recalls: “One of my earliest memories is playing coal miners under the kitchen table. Even though I was in school, I wasn’t expected to do anything else other than be a coal miner. There were mainly two choices: the shipyards or the coal mines.” 

Soon after leaving Whitburn Colliery, Bob made the decision to pursue his passion for art as a full-time career. He has never forgotten his experiences there, nor his “marrers” which have proved a rich source of inspiration throughout his professional career spanning almost five decades. Both Mick and Bob share a history working at the pit, as raffle winner Mick Curry also spent time at Whitburn Colliery, making this prize even more special to the lucky winner.  
Bob has recently donated a collection of artworks to the museum where they are now proudly displayed in the museum’s Treasures Gallery, which charts the history of South Tyneside through the years.