Da Said ”Men Don’t Cry”, Hetton-le-Hole, Durham
21. DA SAID ”MEN DON'T CRY”
Front Street, Hetton le hole, DH5 9PF
What3words - parks.flamenco.targeted
The “Da Said ‘Men Don’t Cry’” sculpture by Ray Lonsdale is a deeply moving tribute to Hetton-le-Hole’s mining heritage. Unveiled in April 2019, it depicts a young boy—around 10 years old—on his first day heading down the mine, dressed in period clothing and holding his bait and lamp. A paternal figure rests a reassuring hand on his shoulder, capturing a moment of quiet strength and vulnerability.
Crafted from Corten steel, the statue reflects Lonsdale’s signature style—raw, weathered, and emotionally resonant. It was commissioned by the community group Culture for Hetton and funded by over 500 families and local organizations, raising £51,000 in total. The names of those who contributed are inscribed around the plinth, and a time capsule lies beneath, not to be opened until 2069.
The title, “Da Said ‘Men Don’t Cry’”, evokes the stoicism expected of mining families, while the sculpture itself gently challenges that notion with its tender portrayal of father and son. It’s not just a monument—it’s a memory cast in steel.
Da Said ”Men Don’t Cry”, Hetton-le-Hole, Durham
21. DA SAID ”MEN DON'T CRY”
Front Street, Hetton le hole, DH5 9PF
What3words - parks.flamenco.targeted
The “Da Said ‘Men Don’t Cry’” sculpture by Ray Lonsdale is a deeply moving tribute to Hetton-le-Hole’s mining heritage. Unveiled in April 2019, it depicts a young boy—around 10 years old—on his first day heading down the mine, dressed in period clothing and holding his bait and lamp. A paternal figure rests a reassuring hand on his shoulder, capturing a moment of quiet strength and vulnerability.
Crafted from Corten steel, the statue reflects Lonsdale’s signature style—raw, weathered, and emotionally resonant. It was commissioned by the community group Culture for Hetton and funded by over 500 families and local organizations, raising £51,000 in total. The names of those who contributed are inscribed around the plinth, and a time capsule lies beneath, not to be opened until 2069.
The title, “Da Said ‘Men Don’t Cry’”, evokes the stoicism expected of mining families, while the sculpture itself gently challenges that notion with its tender portrayal of father and son. It’s not just a monument—it’s a memory cast in steel.