William Sugg & Co rekindle the light of Plumstead Fire Station

Illuminated in vibrant red and situated prominently on the corner of Plumstead High Street, the newly restored fire station lantern serves as a beacon from another time. Opened in 1907, Plumstead Fire Station remains a key architectural landmark set within the heart of the area’s high street. To protect the integrity of the historical building, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) commissioned William Sugg & Co to restore the lost fire station lantern with support from restoration charity, the Heritage of London Trust (HOLT).

The lantern restoration formed part of the London Fire Brigade’s larger regeneration project of the Grade II listed Edwardian fire station. Originally built for horse-drawn fire engines, the station required a new appliance bay to house its modern fire engines. The redevelopment created a finite window for the London Fire Brigade and Heritage of London Trust to also restore the lantern and restore its luminated exterior, once more.

With nearly 200 years of heritage lighting experience, William Sugg & Co was specified to fabricate the lantern by the London Fire Brigade with funding provided by HOLT, which works across 32 London boroughs and the City of London to rescue heritage at risk in underfunded areas. Without intervention, these historic buildings and monuments are in danger of permanent loss or decay. HOLT’s wider work surrounds the empowerment of the next generation through its ‘Proud Places’ programme, which engages the local youth community in conservation. The lantern was one of the key architectural features commissioned for Plumstead Fire Station, to bring the station back to its former glory.

Thought to be lost around the Second World War without a trace, the fire station lantern was recreated using archival imagery and similar lanterns scattered around London as a source. Using the historical images, the team designed a replica of the lantern that had disappeared in the mid-20^th century with only its original iron-fixing straps left in place. Using architectural drawings supplied by Benedict O’Looney Architects, a practice specialising in conservation architecture, William Sugg & Co identified that the original lantern was based on a Windsor design. The team analysed existing Windsor designs and combined relevant elements to create an entirely bespoke 3D design. Each component was thoroughly considered to understand which could be made using existing Windsor components or tooling to reduce the cost and difficulty of manufacturing.

William Sugg & Co handcrafted draft models of the lantern and bracket parts to develop the assembly model, adjusting and reviewing until the lantern fit the architect’s specifications. The team created engineering drawings to carefully handcraft each component, including the copper frame, replacement bracketing and fitting for the bespoke engraved red glass, in line with the London Fire Brigade colour scheme. To keep it up to date with current standards and controls, the lantern was updated with LED lighting in place of gas, maintaining the atmospheric glow and flicker of original gas lighting with modern technology. Specified to be over a metre tall, the lantern is an impactful feature and reminder of its historical presence to guide the local community in times of need.

Throughout the lantern’s restoration process, HOLT brought local young people to the historic site to learn practical conservation skills and open their eyes to new lines of work. The enlightening programme shines a spotlight on specialist skills and trades by showcasing the restoration work of William Sugg & Co and other heritage crafts.

John Willans, Head of Projects at HOLT commented, “Through many years of careful stewardship by the London Fire Brigade, Plumstead Fire Station has survived as an architectural highlight of the high street. The lantern was an important feature that had been lost, and the wider renovation was a once in a lifetime moment to restore an element of Plumstead’s heritage. William Sugg & Co is an important name in the history of London’s built environment, so we knew the project was in safe hands. They carefully considered each step in the ten-week process and communicated with us throughout, showing us regular updates on the different stages until completion. The reinstated lantern is an eye-catching reminder of the fire station’s history and will contribute to the community’s sense of pride in place.”

The original Plumstead Fire Station was built during the revival of Christopher Wren and English Baroque architecture at the turn of the last century by the London County Council. One of more than 50 fire stations built across London between 1895 and 1925, many of these historic fire stations have been sold and refurbished. The empty site beside Plumstead Fire Station afforded a unique opportunity to build the new modern fire engine annexe, without disturbing the Grade II listed building. With the station well-documented by the city’s architects, the building and surrounding features could be restored by the detailed and considered work at Benedict O’Looney Architects. The team were eager to create a junction between the old and new, whilst celebrating the arts and crafts architectural features of the building and the prominent lantern.

Benedict O’Looney, Principal Architect, commented, “Plumstead Fire Station is the most prominent landmark in the town centre. It occupies a central corner side and the lantern, so beautifully made by William Sugg & Co, is that eye-catcher at the corner where two streets come together. It shows a determination to do the right thing with this important Grade II listed historic landmark and celebrate the importance of the fire brigade in both historic periods and in modern times.”

He continued, “The restoration of Plumstead Fire Station is an homage to one of the greatest times in London’s architecture. It’s amongst an unusual ensemble of 40 fire stations that respond to the different vernacular and urban settings that each is located in. Inventive, fresh, lovingly detailed and filled with visual interest, they are serious public landmarks in every neighbourhood. There’s a sense of optimism in creating art for the people through these buildings that are for everybody.”

The restoration of the Plumstead Fire Station lantern and the wider project is a vivid reminder of the value of preserving history. Through a collaborative effort, the fire station now stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the past and the dedication to conserving it for future generations. The William Sugg & Co lantern restores a lost piece of local heritage and helps to rekindle the community’s pride in this architectural landmark. The project also highlights the importance of conserving history, offering a glimpse into London’s architectural heritage and lighting the way forward.

Image credit: Benedict O’Looney Architects.