Renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers turns Port Sunlight’s historic Fire Engine Station into new studio
17 Dec 2024
This winter sees an exciting chapter in the story of Port Sunlight’s historic Fire Engine Station, which has sat empty for several years. Wirral-based and world-renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers has moved in and is breathing new life into the space as her new studio, workshop and exhibitions space.
Emma is known for sculptures that capture the essence of the subject. Among her more notable works are the statue of Cilla Black in Liverpool’s Mathew Street as well as the world’s largest Liver Bird. She has also recently forged an artistic partnership with comedian and artist Johnny Vegas, who will also occasionally be making use of the Fire Engine Station as a studio space.
It’s a pivotal moment in Port Sunlight Village Trust’s work to reawaken some of the empty or under-used buildings around the village, finding new tenants who can help to secure a sustainable future for some of Port Sunlight’s most special buildings. To find out more about this work, go to portsunlightvillage.com/commercial-partners.
Interview with Emma Rodgers
We sat down with Emma recently to learn about why she chose to make Port Sunlight’s Fire Engine Station the new home for her world-renowned art, her plans for the unique space and which famous comedian-turned-artist will be joining her…
A brief history of the Fire Engine Station
Built 1902 and designed by William & Segar Owen, the Fire Engine Station is situated in a lane that runs between Park Road and Wood Street, behind the housing blocks. The building was originally used as stables, but became a fire station in 1906. The horse drawn appliances were replaced by motorised vehicles in 1914. There was also a fire station within the factory, built in 1885. They were both operational until 1957 when Cheshire Fire Brigade built a new station off New Chester Road to serve the area instead. It was most recently used as offices by a security company.
