Firehawks: Groundbreaking Liverpool Exhibition Sheds Light on Firesetting and Childhood Trauma
A powerful new photography exhibition exploring the hidden world of firesetting and its psychological roots is set to open at Liverpool’s Open Eye Gallery this September.
Running from 26 September to 16 November 2025, Firehawks is the first exhibition of its kind to address the complex and often misunderstood behaviour of firesetting through a visual arts lens. The work of photographer Stephen King, the show features around 20 atmospheric images that eschew documentary tropes in favour of a more filmic, dreamlike aesthetic.
The project is the culmination of over four years of research and creative development, which began with an Arts Council England grant in 2021. Drawing from his own past experiences with firesetting, King has worked closely with producer Angharad Williams, Open Eye Gallery’s social practice team, and Joanna Foster, a leading expert in child firesetting, to shape a sensitive yet challenging exhibition.
As part of his process, King undertook short residencies with the London Fire Brigade, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, and Merseyside Probation Service. He also engaged in workshops and discussions with people who have lived experience of firesetting, alongside mental health professionals and frontline workers.
Rather than portraying individual stories, Firehawks presents a collective emotional landscape — a metaphorical reflection on trauma and its connection to fire. The result is a unique and deeply human response to a subject that is often hidden in shame or fear.
“This exhibition specifically explores the complex psychology of child trauma and its connection to firesetting,” says King. “The work attempts to examine the broader relationship between children and fire, and why they are drawn to this element during traumatic experiences.”
The exhibition’s title draws on the phenomenon of the Firehawk — a species of Australian bird known to spread wildfires deliberately by dropping burning twigs to flush out prey. This natural act of fire-setting for survival forms a striking metaphor in the exhibition for how people sometimes use fire in response to emotional or psychological crisis.
Elizabeth Wewiora, Head of Social Practice at Open Eye Gallery, described the collaboration with King as “a project five years in the making,” adding: “This is a very particular story that needed to be explored with care and sensitivity. Stephen’s use of metaphor and surrealism offers a welcome alternative to more traditional documentary approaches in socially engaged photography.”
Firehawks will be accompanied by a public programme of events and learning opportunities throughout its seven-week run. It is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
For more information and updates, visit Open Eye Gallery’s website.
