Interview with Emma Rodgers: Meet Port Sunlight’s new artist-in-residence

Following the exciting news that she is turning Port Sunlight’s historic Fire Engine Station into her new studio and workshop, we sat down with Emma Rodgers to find out more about what attracted her to the special building, her plans for the space, and which famous comedian-turned-artist will be joining her…

Welcome to Port Sunlight! As a Wirral-based artist, what was your connection to the village before now?

Thank you so much, I’m really looking forward to being part of this beautiful village which I have been visiting since a small child. As a practicing artist, I have been working with National Museums Liverpool for over 25 years, so have been very fortunate to exhibit at Lady Lever Art Gallery, which is such an iconic space. And on a more personal level, I was married in Christ Church, which I now pass on my drive to the studio.

What attracted you to making the Fire Engine Station your new studio space?

I fell in love with the fire station from the moment I walked in. It is such an inspiring space. The light is beautiful throughout the day. The flow of the rooms and space lends itself perfectly as my studio and workshop. The architecture and history to the building is incredible. The details on the original doors are not only powerful to look at, but also practical for working on large commissions. AIso, I am a huge animal lover, so the thought that half of the fire station was once stables I find quite comforting. I couldn’t wish for a more fitting space.

What is your vision for how the space will be used?

My plan is for the two sides of the building to complement each other. Where the fire engine and ambulance were once housed is studio space, and I will be in the main room working on commissioned and exhibition pieces through to large scale sculptures. So the space will be constantly changing, depending on what I am working on. Johnny Vegas will also have a studio here, which he will use occasionally in between filming. His room has the most exquisite wall, which shows layers of patina which have built up over time. I will also have my office, glaze room and kilns here.

On the stables side of the building, I will have a gallery space with a range of rotating events and exhibitions from established artists and curators, projects with Port Sunlight Village Trust, and works created from pop up workshops held in the same building. There will also be a studio for group workshops, which will connect with PSVT as an extended space for them to work with the community. I plan for these two rooms to be quite fluid, so that a large exhibition can expand into the workshop and the workshop can expand into the gallery if working with big groups. I really want to fill this space with life, connect with the village, and bring interesting and exciting artists here so that becomes a real artistic hub.

Like Port Sunlight, the Fire Engine Station is a place filled with memories and stories – have you unearthed any since you moved in?

The welcome and warmth from people has been so lovely. From people just been popping in if they see a light on through to international clients and social media followers reaching out and telling me their connections to the village. Some have even provided family photos showing the station. It’s such a treat and it has all been so positive.

Any projects in the pipeline (or kiln, should we say) that you can tell us about?

We have actually just been filming in the Fire Station with Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, where I am a patron working on some projects with the team. I am also currently working on some public art pieces, so if you are passing you will probably see them evolving over time. There are some of really exciting projects that I am working on, but I can’t speak about them just yet. But you will definitely see them in the studio first, so watch this space.