HEROISM - circa 1878

A Portrait of true Heroism.
This is the very first FIRE RESCUE HELMET.
It was made in 1878 by Siebe Gorman Co. who still make Fire Rescue & Diving Helmets today.
It is made of leather with aluminium doors that swing open with mica used to see through. This is also the first industrial use of Aluminium, it was considered quite rare and valuable.
The helmet attached to a long hose that ran to a large foot operated bellows. The Fireman would enter a smoky building to rescue those trapped inside with this hose as his only air supply and lifeline. Signals were given by means of tugs on the hose...1 tug for more air, 2 tugs for less air and 3 tugs for HELP!
You had to be an absolute HERO to wear one of these helmets, hence the name if this artwork.

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I am a country girl stuck in the Big Smoke. I was a Commercial Artist for many years before computers took over the world. I started exhibiting my work in 1994 in Regional Exhibitions and won many awards before moving to Sydney in 1999. Since then my works have been well received by both Judges and the Public, having won 29 “People’s Choice” Awards as well as numerous other awards.
I am a contemporary realist capturing nostalgic stories of life in Australia back in the day as well as the landscape, animals and anything MidCentury Modern 👍