Spennymoor's best-known export isn't coal, or confectionery — it's a self-taught painter who spent three decades working underground before picking up a brush full-time.
The Pitman's Academy
The Spennymoor Settlement was established in 1930 as a response to the economic depression gripping the area, and its art school became known locally as the 'Pitman's Academy' for the miners who studied there in their spare time.
A miner who became a painter
Norman Cornish was born in Spennymoor in 1919 and started work as a miner at the age of 14 in 1933, joining the Settlement's art school a year later. He continued working as a miner alongside his painting until 1966, when he retired to become a full-time artist known for his scenes of mining community life. A Norman Cornish Trail, created in 2019, now follows a 1.5 mile route around the scenes he painted.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Spennymoor's history is built on coal and a pit painter, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of County Durham and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Spennymoor and the rest of County Durham included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Spennymoor?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Who was Norman Cornish?
A Spennymoor miner-turned-painter, born in 1919, who worked underground until 1966 while studying at the town's 'Pitman's Academy' art school.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Spennymoor?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Spennymoor addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.