.png)
Blitz Art by Fireman Alfred Morley
This artwork was produced by London firefighter Alfred Morley.
A professional member of the London Fire Brigade, and later of the NFS, Alfred was also a talented artist who spent his off-duty time capturing the drama and destruction of the nightly London Blitz raids.
Alfred was among several members of the London firemen’s artist group, whose work was promoted by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. This resulted in exhibitions being held at the Royal Academy and in the United States. The group’s popularity led to public donations to the NFS being made on both sides of the Atlantic.
Sadly, little of the group’s work survives today, with just a few examples held in the Imperial War Museum collection.
Alfred’s paintings reveal the personal experiences of a serving Blitz firefighter. Some of his art reflects everyday life such as brigade parties and training days. Other paintings focus on frightening moments during the air raids. Painted in a variety of styles, these artworks offer a glimpse into the life of a wartime hero.
Use of Images from Our Online Collections
Where images appear on this website — including photographs from our online collections, exhibitions, archives, and digitised items — they remain subject to copyright and licensing terms. Unless otherwise indicated, these images are protected by the copyright of our institution (or, where applicable, by third-party rights holders).
Non-commercial use:
-
You may view, download, embed or share low-resolution versions of images for personal, educational, or informational purposes (for example, research, study, blogs, social media, educational websites) without charge — provided you give appropriate credit (e.g., “©National Emergency Services Museum”) and include a link back to the original record.
Commercial or other uses:
-
For any professional, commercial or extended use — including publishing, print, broadcast, advertising, merchandise, high-resolution reproduction, inclusion in exhibitions or sale of any kind — you must obtain a licence from us. Please get in touch with our collections team, quoting the relevant catalogue number, and supply details of your intended use.
-
Depending on the nature and scope of the use, a licence fee may apply, and we may supply high-resolution images, film stills or other media under specific terms and conditions.
Credit & attribution:
-
Every use must include the credit line specified on the original record (e.g. “©National Emergency Services Museum (SHENE.2024.108)”).
-
If required, you should also indicate any licence or terms under which the image is used, and link back to the original catalogue page or our licensing terms.
Why we maintain these conditions:
-
Managing image licensing helps us protect both our legal rights and the integrity of our collections.
-
Income from image licensing helps support the care, digitisation, and ongoing accessibility of our museum, archives and exhibitions for everyone.
Need a licence or further permissions?
If you wish to use an image in a way not covered by the Non-Commercial Licence — for example, in a book, website with adverts, paid publication, or commercial production — please contact our Image Sales & Licensing team. Provide the item’s catalogue number and details of the intended use so we can advise on availability, terms and fees.
Loaned Collections & Additional Permissions
Some items displayed in our exhibitions or featured in our online collections are on loan from external lenders, including private individuals, organisations and partner institutions. Images of these loaned objects may carry additional copyright or usage restrictions.
Because of this:
Further permissions may be required before any image of a loaned object can be reproduced, published or used commercially. The museum cannot grant permission on behalf of external rights holders. You must contact the museum with the item’s catalogue number so we can confirm the object’s status and advise whether additional permissions from the lender are needed. This ensures that all rights are respected and that the museum continues to maintain strong and trusted partnerships with lenders.