Gipton Fire Station has played a key role in the local community for 75 years, from its establishment in 1937 to the present day. Current and ex staff, their families and local residents can recall vibrant memories of the station being used for dances, events and community activities alongside Emergency Service. We wanted to ensure the relationship between the people who worked and lived here and this iconic building were recorded, shared and celebrated.
To create a truly co-produced project, we aimed to inspire a small number of Gipton residents to put themselves forward as community researchers, most were ex Fire Fighters from Gipton Fire Station. They supported the research of our shared history, delved into museums and archives, and also explored our oral history through conversation. Across schools and community venues, we asked locals to ‘Show and Tell’, using their own personal artefacts that link to the history of the building, showing the significance of our individual stories and histories in celebrating our communities.
Residents also donated artefacts relating to the Fire Station and were invited to label and display these, and to have a photograph to create a museum both online and at the Fire Station. These artefacts formed the core of our SMART (Social Museum and Art) Gallery, created with artist Helen Peyton.
The project lives on in the form of the East Leeds Heritage Group, and many artefacts are still on display at The Old Fire Station.
