- Mapletree unveiled a restored 1938 Merryweather Pump Escape Fire Engine in an effort to bring art and history closer to the community
SINGAPORE – Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree”) today unveiled a refurbished 1938 Merryweather Pump Escape Fire Engine (“Merryweather”) as an art piece to more than 70 preschoolers. As part of the launch, each of these preschoolers from MindChamps and Sparkletots Preschool @ Telok Blangah learnt to assemble a three-dimensional (3-D) Fire Engine Cardboard Model. This Model is commissioned by Mapletree and also serves as a multi-purpose stationery holder.
In addition, to bolster Mapletree’s outreach efforts in the arts to the wider community, we will give out 400 sets of the 3-D Model to pre-schools located in the vicinity of Mapletree Business City (MBC).
Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman of Mapletree said, “As a real estate developer that employs design to enhance the features of its developments and infuses art to add vitality to its facilities, Mapletree recognises the value that the arts and design create. In addition to being an art installation, the Merryweather Fire Engine exhibited at MBC reminds us of the rich heritage which we are delighted to preserve. We hope our tenants and visitors appreciate the chance to get up close with art and history. The 3-D models given out to preschoolers will also serve to bring home this message.”
Transformed into a public art piece, the Merryweather is a part of MBC series of art installations to bring the arts closer to the communities. Located between 50 MBC and 60 MBC, the Merryweather was built in 1938 by Merryweather & Sons (London) and was acquired by the Singapore Harbour Board (the precursor to the Port of Singapore Authority) in 1946 before it was decommissioned in 1977.
Mapletree saw it fitting to restore this old dame as an art piece, showcasing a glimpse of its former glory. In line with our support for the arts, which is one of four key pillars of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, the refurbished Merryweather will further enhance the vibrancy of MBC’s premises while preserving a part of Singapore’s heritage.
1This is one of two Merryweather fire engines left in Singapore; the other is a Merryweather Fire King on display at the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery at Hill Street.
