Free Mining in the Forest of Dean. This portfolio of photographs by David Cross started a trend that saw many student photographers use the Free Miners as subject matter.  "Coal Face" was first published and exhibited circa 2019 to great acclaim and later featured in The Independent Newspaper. These images have historic value as coal use across the world diminishes as we work toward a green future to save our environment and attempt to halt Climate Change. Free Mining in the Forest of Dean has a long history and although the commercial mines are shut, heritage miners continue the practice today.