High-contrast scan of linguistic phoneme diagrams and phonetic vowel charts of County Durham dialect, charcoal black ink on raw paper, dramatic low-key side lighting, 35mm film grain
High-contrast scan of linguistic phoneme diagrams and phonetic vowel charts of County Durham dialect, charcoal black ink on raw paper, dramatic low-key side lighting, 35mm film grain
/ Crook to Stockholm

Ink and Dialect

We are mapping the un-softened vowels of the Great Northern Coalfield. By combining physical printmaking with rigorous phonetic research, we document the distinct soundwaves, industrial grit, and resilient working-class stories of the Pitmatic dialect.

Lead Artist
Linguistics Partner

Sarah Calavera

Dr. Adrian Rexgren

Living and working in Crook, Sarah is an independent printmaker and graphic artist. She translates the raw phonetic textures and heavy physical weight of Durham coalfield speech into bold, tactile woodblock prints that capture our post-industrial identity.

Based at Stockholm University, Adrian leads the scientific linguistic investigation. He maps the phonetic resonance, vowel shifts, and unique structural roots of the language spoken across County Durham villages, preserving its academic heritage.

Get Involved

Share Your Voice

Whether you want to contribute local dialect recordings, share family stories from the mines, host our upcoming print exhibition, or discuss academic research opportunities, your voice is essential to this project.