By Sarah Robinson

Last updated at 14:53, Thursday, 25 August 2011

A glamorous fashion shoot has taken place at the Haig Mining Museum in Whitehaven to highlight the town’s industrial heritage.

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Cumbrian designer Angy Morton used the stark, rough surroundings of the former mine as a backdrop for four intricately-designed couture dresses.

The dresses have been named in memory of Florence mine in Egremont, Wellington and Ladysmith pits in Whitehaven and Montreal pit at Cleator Moor.

The unique designs are part of the Red Dress: Black Dress collection which Angy has created. Each dress has been made from recycled materials.

The aim of the edgy photo shoot was to show the importance of the coal and iron industry to the development and culture of west Cumbria, in a creative way.

Angy said: “If we can add a touch of glamour and glitz, it just might attract a few more of the youngsters that are desperately needed to ensure it is one that it is given its proper place in local history.”

Angy used the concept of iron ore and coal, the red and black of Cumbria, as a basis for this unusual, new collection of handmade-to-measure dresses.

She has designed a further eight dresses which make up her retail collection.

She said she felt something had to be done before any of the history was lost.

“I was lucky enough to go down the Florence Mine at Egremont before it was closed – what an amazing experience, and what a terrible loss despite the hard work of the volunteers.

“It would be a tragedy if the same happened to Haig Pit, which has the potential to become a fantastic attraction if the visitors centre finally goes ahead, especially combined with a walk on the cliffs among all the flowers.”

Angy also featured at this year’s Whitehaven Festival where her creations were showcased as part of her Catwalk on Water.

She said: “We wanted to highlight Haig Mining Museum. I come from a dressmaking background, so to look at mining, it was shocking and fascinating at the same time.”

First published at 11:26, Thursday, 25 August 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk