Victoria Street Old Church Fire
From: Articlescathedral rescues exhibition from ashes of former church
By Bill Jacobs BillJacobsLT
Politics Correspondent
20th april 2019
BLACKBURN Cathedral has rescued an exhibition due to be staged at the town’s fire-ravaged Bureau Centre for the Arts.
The display of the work of Italian artist Matilde Tomat and was due to open at the former Church of St. John the Evangelist on May 6.
But the 230-year-old Grade II listed building in Victoria Street was destroyed by fire at the beginning of the month.
Now, after last-minute negotiations, the week-long exhibition will open on May 6 at 8pm in the cathedral’s North Transept.
The opening day is the anniversary of an earthquake at Friuli in Italy in 1976.
Ms Tomat was the only person to survive the tragedy in her class of eight-year-olds.
The installation comprises 111 plaster cast vessels and is dedicated to the artist’s best friend who died in the earthquake.
Ms Tomat said: “Last week, after everything was planned and agreed, the flyers and posters printed, and a draft email almost ready to be sent, St. John’s Church was destroyed by a fire.
“Waking up to the knowledge that again my life was changed by a natural event so catastrophic and cathartic at the same time, shook the Blackburn community and me to the very core. But a new venue has been found.
“Now, after 43 years, I am prepared with this piece to revisit and share my experience and pain.”
8th april 2019
A LARGE fire has broken out at one of Blackburn’s oldest town centre buildings.
Eight fire crews were called to the The Bureau Centre for the Arts, in Victoria Street, at around 5.30am.
Parts of Victoria Street, Richmond Terrace and Ainsworth Street have been closed off.
Firefighters are still at the scene putting out the flames.
The building started out as The Church of St. John the Evangelist and construction first started in June 1787.
A fire service spokesman said the cause of the fire is currently unknown.
A LARGE fire has broken out at one of Blackburn’s oldest town centre buildings.
Eight fire crews were called to the The Bureau Centre for the Arts, in Victoria Street, at around 5.30am.
Parts of Victoria Street, Richmond Terrace and Ainsworth Street have been closed off.
Firefighters are still at the scene putting out the flames at the grade II-listed building.
The fire services’ drone was also called to the scene to provide an aerial view of the blaze.
The building started out as The Church of St. John the Evangelist and construction first started in June 1787.
The council-owned centre had a cafe space, a gallery, cinema and community use room, studios, community darkroom and a main space suitable for theatre, workshops, gatherings and events.
The Very Rev Peter Howell-Jones, dean of Blackburn Cathedral, said: “This is absolutely devastating for the town.
“It is one of our iconic buildings and has been a place for many people since it shut as a church in 1975.
“It has had a new life since then.
“I was there this morning as I walk past that way on my way to Blackburn Cathedral.
“There were so many flames leaping out. Some must have been 20 feet tall.
“It’s just terrible.
“It is a bad day for the town.”
Up to 70 firefighters were called to the scene.
Speaking on behalf of the group which runs The Bureau – Centre for the Arts, Kerris Casey-St Pierre said: “Words cannot describe just how absolutely devastated we all are.
“The bureau is home to an incredible mix of community groups and creative artists and has been built on four years of hard work and passion.
“Today, that same passion and sense of sheer determination is stronger than ever before and while we are all shocked at what has happened, we are absolutely determined to work together to continue the amazing work we do with the community.
“The building may have been wrecked and many of our possessions with it, but we are already starting to look at what can be done and make plans for the upcoming events and exhibitions.
“The building was our home, and while we all loved it so much, we realise that The Bureau is so much more than just a venue – it is a community and this fire will not take that away.
“We would like to thank people for their huge show of support during this incredibly difficult time-we need that now more than ever before.”
Chris Archer, watch manager and operations commander for the incident, said: “We were called after reports of a building fire with smoke coming from the tower.
“Entry was difficult due to the building being very secure and having large doors.
“The fire broke through the roof and I requested a further four pumps to add to the four already here.
Creator
lancashire telegraph , Deltafox , John RileyDate of creation
7th april 2019Date of coverage
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