Artist David Wilders, 48, who first picked up a paintbrush in hospital after smashing his spine at Selby's Riccall colliery in 1986, launched the aptly titled Back Breaking Work collection at the 2 Sagar Street gallery on Friday.
All paintings, prints, sketch books and an audio visual piece in the display are themed around industrial life and mining.


The local historian, who works from his wheelchair, said: "Opening my first solo exhibition was a very proud moment.
"My collection celebrates the role art has played in my life, and how my works have evolved over the last 20 years."
Mr Wilders, of Redhill, Castleford, joined art and painting classes before working with poet Michael Wilkinson and artist Harry Malkin, both former pit workers.


He added: "Hard work for me was literally back breaking, and although my accident ended one chapter it opened up whole new areas of life.
"I find industrial life inspirational and as it has now disappeared, my work is also recording the past.
"My life, like many people's, was groomed for industry in the pits and its great to see many former miners expressing themselves creatively now."


Back Breaking Work is on display at 2 Sagar Street until May 30 and pieces are available to buy.