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LCC-LFB firefighters change from brass to cork fire helmets LFB150

Two firemen in the foreground wearing new style cork helmets and Proto Mark IV breathing apparatus sets. The man on the right is from Station 34, Shadwell, whilst the man on the left is from Station 4, Chelsea. In the background are London firefighters still wearing the old style brass helmet. The new style cork helmet was gradually being phased in. Date: circa 1938

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-MFB funeral of Fireman Martin Sprague

View of the funeral procession of Fireman Martin Sprague, who was killed in a fire. Showing the start of the procession from MFB headquarters in Southwark Bridge Road to Highgate Cemetery in North London. The Brigade, established in 1866, was maintained at an annual cost of £130, 000 per annum; and the area it protected extended over 118 square miles, with nearly 50 fire stations and four river stations.

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

Statue of Captain Sir Eyre Massey Shaw

Bronze statue of Captain Sir Eyre Massey Shaw (1828-1908) about 18 inches high, by Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. The statue is kept in the dining room of the Massey Shaw Suite, Winchester House, Southwark Training Centre. Another copy is held at Windsor Castle. Inscribed on the base are the words: To The Extinguisher from Some of His Chums, 1870. Shaw was Superintendent of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (now London Fire Brigade) and its predecessor, the London Fire Engine Establishment, from 1861 to 1891. He introduced modern firefighting methods, and increased the number of stations.

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library