E & J Mining Memories; The Story of Unity Gifts: Honouring the Legacy of Our Founders
This post is a continuation of our very first blog entry, The Story of Unity Gifts, and explores the history of our earliest owners, who laid the foundations for the thriving business we are today.
The Beginnings of Unity Gifts
E & J Mining Memories Made With British Coal - The story of Unity Gifts begins in the late 1980s with Eddie and Jane, a passionate duo who crafted intricate coal figurines and coal carvings, creating what would eventually become a cornerstone of British mining memorabilia. Their handcrafted pieces captured the essence of mining heritage, preserving the legacy of coal miners through their unique artistry.
In the early years, not much was documented about their journey. However, at some point in the early 2000s, the business underwent a significant change. The name was officially changed to Unity Gifts, reflecting a broader vision. Around this time, Eddie decided to step away from the business and focus on landscape gardening, passing the torch to new leadership.
A New Era of Growth
In 2005, Unity Gifts was purchased by Adrian and his partner, who saw great potential in the company and its signature products. They expanded the business beyond the UK, transforming it into an international brand. Adrian spent years traveling across Europe, meeting potential customers who were captivated by the uniqueness of figurines made with coal. These handcrafted keepsakes, which celebrated mining heritage, became a unique selling point, attracting loyal customers from around the world.
Under Adrian’s leadership, Unity Gifts continued to grow, developing new designs while maintaining the traditional craftsmanship that had defined the brand. Today, we remain committed to keeping mining history alive through a wide range of products, ensuring that each piece reflects the same dedication and passion that Eddie and Jane originally instilled in the company.
Authenticity and Clarifications
Recently, we have noticed that some mining memorabilia figurines featuring a sticker on the base that reads "E & J Mining Memories Made with British Coal" are being listed at extortionate prices, often with claims that they are hand-carved from coal. We want to clarify that Unity Gifts holds the original masters and moulds for these figurines, and we can confirm that, since at least 1990, our figurines have been produced using a polyester coal blend rather than being individually carved from solid coal.
For those seeking genuine E & J Mining Memories Made with British Coal products, we encourage customers to purchase directly from Unity Gifts. We continue to provide high-quality, authentic coal figurines that honour the rich history of British mining, ensuring that the legacy of this industry remains alive for generations to come.
Preserving Mining History for the Future
At Unity Gifts, we remain dedicated to producing new mining memorabilia, ensuring that every piece reflects the craftsmanship and history that has defined our brand for decades. Whether you're a collector or simply looking for a meaningful gift, our range of coal carvings and figurines made with British coal offer a tangible connection to a proud heritage.
To explore our collection and find out
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