Islington honours local firefighters in new exhibition

  

Created by the council’s Local History Centre and Museum, along with Islington and Holloway Fire Stations, the display tells the story of the borough’s firefighters and commemorates their brave efforts. 

 

Spanning from the destruction of St John’s Priory in 1381, the Great Fire of London in 1666, to the tragic blaze at Smithfield Market in the 1950s, the exhibition coincides with a 150 year celebration of the founding of the London Fire Brigade. 

 

‘Islington Burning’ exhibits key objects from the London Fire Brigade Museum Collection, including a range of helmets through time used by the London Fire Brigade.

 

Previously unseen photographs and stories of WWII in Islington are also on display, as well as ‘Our New River’ pipe used to supply water to put out the Great Fire.  

 

Children can get involved, with the opportunity to dress up as a firefighter and put out fires themselves. Live social media from the London Fire Brigade will be broadcast, so attendees will have the chance to witness ongoing fires as they are reported on Twitter. 

 

Islington Council’s Executive Member for Community Development, Cllr Kaya Comer Schwartz said “We’re very excited to uncover the stories of Islington and London’s fire fighters. 

 

“Islington residents can gain a real insight into the great work done by the London Fire Brigade to keep us safe over hundreds of years, whilst they learn about some of Islington’s eventful history.”

 

Borough Commander Patrick Goulbourne said “We have a very proud history serving Islington borough and London. 

 

“I am really pleased that our local residents, visitors and children can come to this fantastic exhibition and gain a real insight into the Fire Service throughout the years.”

 

Admission free

 

Opening times: Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm (closed Wednesday and Sunday)

 

Islington Museum, 245 St John Street, London EC1V 4NB T: 020 7527 2837 W: www.islington.gov.uk/heritage Tw: @IslingtonMuseum

 

For further information contact Roz Currie at Islington Museum on 020 7527 2837 or roz.currie@islington.gov.uk