3-008-916 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: fire-engine presented to Mr. Hodges by the inhabitants of Lambeth, 1862. 'Mr. Hodges is the head of a large and old-established distillery, situated in Pratt-street, Lambeth, to which undertaking he devotes the whole of his energies...A fire-engine, which is a necessary portion of the plant of an establishment of this kind, was not likely to be allowed by Mr. Hodges to remain quietly in its shed when his neighbour's house was on fire. He therefore very soon distinguished himself by superior courage and skill in its management, and with his fire brigade, which he had formed himself, was seldom found absent when such a calamity occurred. At the great fire in Tooley-street he displayed abilities and characteristics of a very high order, doing such good service that the thanks of the public generally were due to him. The testimonial presented to Mr. Hodges consists of a first-class fire-engine of the kind used by the London Fire Brigade...[and has] been most splendidly and lavishly decorated with appropriate bronze and other ornaments, all of which have been designed by Signor G. M. Casentini...The footboard is supported by a bronze dragon'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.