[P]hotographs celebrating Carlisle firefighters are now on permanent display at the Old Fire Station.
The photographs, kindly donated by Elizabeth Dobson, the daughter of local firefighter Jim Templeton have been made into 60 panels and are now permantely displayed on the external engine room doors.
Elizabeth’s family photo album inspired the artwork and contains hundreds of images taken by her father during his time working for the fire service. A selection of images have been chosen for public display.
Facing on to Warwick Street the new artwork is showcased over five doors – once the shutters and exit/entry points for the fire engines when the building was Cumbria Fire & Rescue Services fire station.
The Warwick Street fire station closed in 2012 and was transformed into an arts centre and entertainment venue by Carlisle City Council in 2015.
The artwork has been created by Carlisle City Council’s in-house graphic design team. It has been printed and installed by local sign maker Watsign.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure said:
“The new public art is a celebration of local fire fighters and the former use of the Old Fire Station. It’s our local heritage on show for all to see and is a striking tribute to those who served their time working at the Warwick Street fire station.”
The external artwork is in addition to a wall of firefighters on display within the Old Fire Station building, in McGrew’s Bistro. This also includes photos donated by Elizabeth Dobson.
The programme for the Old Fire Station can be found at www.oldfirestation.carlisle.city/whats-on
The Old Fire Station will also play host to many of the events scheduled during the Carlisle Fringe festival this August. The festival will see more than 100 exhibitions, events and performances take place over ten days, starting on Tuesday 24 August. Full details can be found at www.carlislefringe.co.uk
