I have a great fondness and respect for the fire brigade. My father-in-law served in it in London throughout the blitz, and was left with an enduring admiration. In addition, when a child we had a cat which twice (lord help us) got stuck up a birch tree in our garden. So out they came, with enormously good grace to be scratched and yowled at as they rescued this ungrateful creature. With Christmas on its way I thought this a brilliant idea for a special present: the London Fire Brigade’s 150th anniversary photo book.
One Hundred and Fifty Years – can it really be that long – of London Fire Brigade gives an illustrated history of the Brigade, which began in its current form in 1866, and shows how it has evolved into the capital’s modern day emergency service.
This is a limited edition, containing 124 pages packed full of rare images which were handpicked by the Fire Brigades museum curators from the Mary Evans’ pictorial archives.
A timeline across a double page marks the key events and incidents in the Brigade’s 150 year history, including the outbreak of the two world wars, the King’s Cross underground station fire, the Clapham rail disaster and the 7/7 London bombings. Such iconic events, some so recent.
The photographs are split into 12 sections and clearly detail key areas of the Brigade’s history and make up, including how uniforms have changed, the role of animals within the fire service and how the range of vehicles used by firefighters have evolved throughout the years.
The glossy book is the perfect gift for anyone and everyone who values our Fire Brigade, and if you know former emergency service workers, or people who have a keen interest in the history of the Brigade or those who simply enjoy looking at historic images do please consider this wonderful book, covering a century and half of courageous and invaluable service.
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: “Our photo book is a tribute to 150 years of bravery and commitment to London and is sure to be the perfect Christmas gift.
“This limited edition book give great insight into how we have served the capital for 150 years. Even those well versed on the Brigade’s history are sure to learn some fascinating facts along with seeing some stunning, rarely seen images.”
One Hundred and Fifty Years of London Fire Brigade is priced at £12 plus P&P. To order the book, visit www.maryevans.com/lfb150.php.