Arts Bank

Death of Steel 1875 - 2010...

They may be men of steel but they are men with loves, responsibilities and nowhere to go. They are men who make things... things that have built countries. 

The discovery of iron ore in the Cleveland Hills changed the landscape of Teesside forever. In 1841 the population of Middlesbrough was 5,463; fifty years later it had exploded to 90,000 and transformed the fortunes of the region.

The first steel plant on Teesside was opened in 1875 by Bolckow and Vaughan, followed by the integrated steel works at Cargo Fleet in 1902, and the Dorman Long Redcar works in 1917. It was during the Second World War that Teesside became infamous for its steel making. For decades, Teesside Steel was exported all over the World to build some of the World’s most iconic structures – from the railways of India, the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia to Canary Wharf in London. At its peak the steelworks employed more than 40,000 people.

In the 1970s, the oil crisis and increased competition from abroad caused mass closures and redundancies in the recently nationalised industry. The 1980s saw a period of resurgence and the privatisation of the industry by the Conservative Government. However, this prosperity was short lived. A strong pound reduced the demand for British exports which had a crippling effect on the steel industry; it was not only affected by a decrease in steel exports, but by a reduction in demand from the domestic manufacturing market.

The recent history has been tumultuous. Globalisation and economic recession have had a profound impact on the industry. These factors have contributed to the recent mothballing of the Redcar blast furnace by its foreign owner despite claims of profitability. This could signify the end of steel production on Teesside.

This exhibition explores the ways in which the steel industry has shaped our landscape and our lives. To the outsider’s eye, Teesside may seem like an environment contaminated by heavy industry; to the familiar, the landscape can be awe inspiring. This collection of work, from many decades, offers an insight into the changing fortunes of the industry and the lives of the people at its heart.