COAL merchants were once part of our everyday lives.

But in many areas, the doorstep delivery of coal has all but vanished.

A fascinating new exhibition at the National Coal Mining Museum for England, near Grange Moor, brings alive this fast disappearing part of our heritage.

The Hidden Lives of the Coal Traders runs at the museum until September 29.

It tells the story of coal trading throughout the ages, from the late 15th century to the early 20th century.

The exhibition follows the journeys of the keelmen who ferried the coal along the River Tyne; the coal heavers who spent their working lives moving coal from the ships to London’s docks and those who delivered coal to individual homes by lorry.

Mark Carlyle, Curator of Industry, National Coal Mining Museum for England, said: “It’s a long way from the sea trade to home coal deliveries, and this exhibition is a great way for families to go on an interactive journey that brings this part of our history to life.

“Coal merchants were an everyday part of street life, a way of life that has almost disappeared today, and I think it’s important that we remember this part of our heritage.”

Head for the museum near Grange Moor and you will see items from the unique collection of the Coal Meters’ Committee.

This was the committee of former ‘coal tax collectors’, who used surplus capital when they were disbanded in the 1960s to save coal trade artefacts for the benefit of future generations.

What they amassed is a collection of prints, paintings, and models, which steer a fascinating course through coal trade history.

The collection includes paintings and prints by several well-known artists such as William Lionel Wyllie, E W Cooke, William Joy, and printmakers such as Fordyce and T H Hair.

Take the family and try out the coal traders Newcastle to London board game.

Players can make origami keel boats and have a go at weighing coal sacks.

The exhibition also includes a short video from Outwood Community Video which captures people’s memories of growing up in a house fuelled by coal.

The video is a combination of people’s memories, still images of coal delivery, and video footage of the use of coal in daily life.

Admission to the museum is free and the opening hours are 10.00am – 5.00pm daily except for December 24-26 and January 1.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Why not combine a visit to the exhibition with an underground tour? The museum advises arriving early to book onto a tour, as at busy periods tours are often fully booked by midday.

Temperature underground is around 12C so warm, practical clothing and sensible flat shoes are recommended. Children under five are not permitted on the underground tour.

For more information, visit the website at www.ncm.org.uk