Fireground appoints first artist in residence

Ella Bean, Rochdale’s Fireground museum of firefighting's first Artist-in-Residence

Rochdale’s Fireground museum of firefighting has appointed its first artist in residence, Ella Bean.

Ella is a BA (Hons) graduate from Manchester School of Art, specialising in illustration, digital drawing and animation. Her unique approach to the topic involves researching documents, archive material, images and anecdotes then turning them into inspirational artwork including illustration, modelling and “zines” (short visual magazines to reach younger audiences).

Her current topic centres on the little-known work of the female fire control-room operators at local fire brigades. Beginning during the last war, fire controls would become the undisputed province of the “firewomen” (as they were once known); their vital role was to handle emergency calls, mobilise resources and ensure that fire engines and crews were in the right place at the right time.

After working with the curators and volunteers for the past few weeks, Ella has already discovered some fascinating material and will be displaying her work inside the museum, whilst hoping to meet up with visitors of all ages. 

The placement forms part of the museum’s National Lottery-funded redevelopment project at the town’s former fire station on Maclure Road,

The two “Meet the Artist” events will take place at the museum on Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 March, between 10am and 4pm.