Regional identity and industrial heritage in the mining area of Nord-Pas-de-Calais

The Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin has long been perceived as a symbol of industrial decline, marked by economic and social challenges and stark landscapes. However, recent research reveals that the region also serves as a powerful bearer of regional identity, reflecting a positive local culture celebrated in popular media like the film Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis. This study highlights how early associations, such as the Committee for Industrial Archaeology (founded 1979), emerged to champion industrial heritage, while political bodies, including the Socialist-led regional council under Daniel Percheron, leveraged heritage initiatives like the Louvre-Lens project. The research combines historical analysis with cultural and economic assessments to demonstrate how the basin's identity transcends its industrial past, offering a nuanced perspective on its legacy.

Fontaine, M. (2018). Regional identity and industrial heritage in the mining area of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Industrial Heritage and Regional Identities, 56–73. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315281179-4