This photograph was taken by Brian R Andrews of Killingworth, NSW. Brian worked for 20 years as a Draftsman for Coal & Allied Industries Limited. This photograph is part of Brian's private collection. Brian has kindly given Special Collections access to his collection and allowed us to publish the images.

David Dixon, great-grandson of the photographer, adds this:

"James Hutchinson was a mine deputy in the Wallsend area until he suffered the loss of eight of his fingers in a mine accident. He then took up photography as he could operate the plate camera with his remaining two thumbs and one little finger. When the explosion took place at Killingworth he was chosen as the official photographer due to his previous connection to the mining industry."

If you would like to comment on the photograph, please contact Special Collections at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia, or add a Recollection using these instructions.

This photograph, like the majority of the photos in our site was scanned by a volunteer. When we have sufficient funds in the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund, we are able to give these wonderful people some paid employment. If you would care to make a tax-deductible donation to this fund, please see http://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/benefactors/new for more information and a link to the donation form.