Changeover Collection

LCC-LFB changeover from brass to cork fire helmets
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

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

LCC-LFB Change from brass to cork fire helmets
A significant landmark when on 14 July 1934 the LFB started to replace its traditional brass helmet with a new compressed cork design. It would be four years before the changeover was completed

Steam locomotive Apollo, crew change, London
Steam locomotive Apollo (Britannia class) at a London station. Driver and fireman are relieved by fresh crew. Date: circa 1950s

Rolling up the floor covering at the London Hippodrome
Illustration showing stage hands quickly rolling up the floor covering of the arena at the London Hippodrome. The Hippodromes fulsome programme of variety required numerous quick changes between

LCC-LFB Change from brass to cork fire helmets
A significant landmark when on 14 July 1934 the LFB started to replace its traditional brass helmet with a new compressed cork design. It would be four years before the changeover was completed

Sopwith production line at about the time of the changeover from Schneiders to Babies

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As London's Fire Brigade (LFB) marked its 150th anniversary (LFB150), a significant change took place. Firefighters bid farewell to their iconic brass helmets and welcomed the modern cork ones. This milestone mirrored other transformative moments in London's history, such as the crew change on Steam Locomotive Apollo, the rolling up of floor coverings at the Hippodrome, and the mass production of Sopwith aircraft. Just like these changes, the LCC-LFB's switch from brass to cork helmets symbolized progress and innovation.