Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, the first municipal fire service in the world, have agreed to lend a number of items, normally displayed at their Lauriston Place museum, to this fascinating and popular exhibition.

Warders’ Choice presents highlights from the Gallery’s prints and drawings collection, as selected by members of the warding and front-of-house staff. Following the choice - by warder Mike Burgess - of a print relating to the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824, exhibition organisers approached the Museum of Fire at Lauriston Place to source artefacts that would enhance and complement the display.

A number of these relate to the celebrated figure of James Braidwood, who was the Firemaster in charge during the Great Fire, which lasted for five days and destroyed most of Edinburgh ’s Old Town . Between 400 and 500 families were made homeless and thirteen people, including two Firemen, were killed during this blaze.

Martin Reid, Community Safety Firefighter at the Museum of Fire said, “Among the items on display at the National Gallery is a silver goblet. This was presented on the 6th September 1828 to Mr James Braidwood by the City Of Edinburgh Firemen as a token of their admiration for him as their leader and of deep respect for him as a gentleman.

His boatswain's pipe can be seen here, along with his ceremonial axe and pouch and his Firemaster's Baton. As belongings of the ‘Father of Firefighting’, these items are extremely important to the history of Lothian and Borders Fire Service, and we are pleased they will be on display at such a prominent venue.”

This is the first time the Fire Service and the National Gallery of Scotland have worked together in this way. Ray Brunton, Project Manager for the Museum of Fire said, “If people have not visited the Museum of Fire at Lauriston Place , this is an ideal opportunity to come along to the National Gallery and see some selected pieces from the museum.

“Many people from Edinburgh and beyond are not aware of this extremely interesting history of the city, and the proud heritage of their Fire Service.”

The exhibition is on show at the National Gallery Complex, located at the foot of the Mound, Edinburgh , until 27 April 2008 and admission is free.

The Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service Museum of Fire is located at the Service’s headquarters, Lauriston Place.

Visits must be pre -arranged. To arrange your visit telephone 0131 228 2401.