In eighteenth century Britain, ponies were introduced as a new labour force for the mines. Unlike their human counterparts, they were stabled below ground for their entire lives, only seeing daylight once a year. They became known as pit ponies, and were one of a number of animals abused for their labour - they would be fitted with a leather mask over their poll (head) and pulled raw materials such as iron and coal to fuel the cities above.

Nailed to a poll explores the violence and abuse of labour in the UK steel industry through material and form. At its centre is the design and fabrication of a pit pony mask and horseshoes, objects that uncover the lived experience of the animals that helped build Britain’s industrial might and the imperfections that are highlighted in our own individuality rather than a tool abused for industrial growth.