Ramsey Fountain & Trough

Location: Ramsey Road & Mayes Lane, Ramsey, Essex

Richard Combe Abdy a wealthy businessman with interests in cotton and banking owned Michaelstowe Hall in 1920. He donated the drinking fountain and horse trough to replace a pond that had previously existed on the site.

Casting #16 (3 feet 3 inches high and 2 feet 7 inches wide) is a wall mounted drinking fountain in the form of a round arch trimmed with highly decorated fret detail and rope moulding. The recessed interior of the arch contains a shell lunette with a tap which poured water into a fluted demi-lune basin. The fountain is surmounted with a palmette finial and a ring from which a single drinking cup was suspended on a chain.

A rectangular cattle trough is located a short distance from the fountain. It is supported on six legs in the form of animal fetlocks. A basin for dogs at ground level is located on the left side.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/anvilessex/3070723412/

Used with permission. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/60445511@N05/11968986064/

Creative Commons License, Keith Evans. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Drinking_Fountain_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1724299.jpg

Creative Commons License, Keith Evans. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Six_Legged_Horse_Trough_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1724295.jpg

Creative Commons License, Keith Evans. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Information_Plaque_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1724303.jpg

Used with permission. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/60445511@N05/11968566835/

Glossary

• Demi-lune, half moon or crescent shape
• Fetlock, part of an animal’s leg above the hoof
• Finial, a sculptured ornament fixed to the top of a peak, arch, gable or similar structure
• Fret, running or repeated ornament
• Lunette, the half-moon shaped space framed by an arch, often containing a window or painting
• Palmette, a decorative motif resembling the fan shaped leaves of a palm tree

Wyatt Fountains

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Following the opening of the Throndon Reservoir in Adelaide in 1860, piped water was made available to households. Adelaide was a hot, dry, dusty city in which many worked outdoors in the blinding light and heat and water fountains were a priority for humans and horses.

During 1860 the Adelaide Municipal Council debated provision of drinking fountains. In March there was a proposal to install a fountain at the intersection of King William, Currie and Grenfell streets. Also that Hindmarsh, Victoria, and Light Squares would be suitable localities. The motion was sent to the Waterworks committee. ‘Municipal Council. Monday March 19’ (SA Register, 20 March 1860). Tenders were issued for simple and inexpensive drinking fountains which were produced by the G. Wyatt Foundry.

They are to stand about seven feet high, and consist each of an octagonal base relieved by sunken panels, a shaft, also eight-sided, and a simple but suitable cap. At a convenient height on the shaft a curved ornamental spout projects over a small shell-shaped basin, into which it is proposed to have a tiny stream of water continually falling from the spout, with a view of presenting to the thirsty wayfarer the pure element in the coolest possible condition. The water will on overflowing fall into a larger basin below, where dogs and other ‘inferior creatures’ privileged to be at large within the city may quench their thirst without let or hindrance.’ (SA Register, 1861)

The Council installed 13 of these fountains on Tuesday 12 February 1861.

1. South Adelaide – Victoria Square, near the entrance opposite to the government offices
2. South Adelaide – Victoria Square at the entrance to the southern portion of the square in the produce market;
3. South Adelaide – At the City Bridge road, North Terrace;
4. South Adelaide – King William Street, near the Bank of Australasia at the intersection of King Wm, Currie and Grenfell streets;
5. South Adelaide – Hindley Street, corner of Leigh Street;
6. South Adelaide – Rundle Street, corner of Gawler Place;
7. South Adelaide – Light Square (near the northern entrance in each case);
8. South Adelaide – Hindmarsh Square (near the northern entrance in each case);
9. South Adelaide – Hurtle Square (near to the southern entrance in each case)
10. South Adelaide – Whitmore Square (near to the southern entrance in each case)
11. North Adelaide – At Wellington Square, near southern entrance;
12. North Adelaide – O’Connell Street, corner of Childers Street
13. North Adelaide – Kermode Street, opposite to the Scotch Thistle.

Corner of Rundle and Gawler Place 1872. No known copyright restrictions.
Source: http://images.slsa.sa.gov.au/mpcimg/02000/B1908.htm

 

Dr. John Grant Smith Memorial Fountain

Location: Thurso, Highlands, Scotland

This drinking fountain was erected in memory of Dr. John Grant Smith who served the community and surrounding area for 44 years before dying unexpectedly from an illness. He was held in such high regard that a public funeral was held, and donations from the local townspeople paid for the memorial which was erected at the Town Hall Square.

Alan McIvor Collection, used with permission. Source: http://www.thursointeractive.co.uk/default.aspx

In the 1950’s probably due to lack of use and public awareness of hygiene, the drinking fountain was taken apart and moved to the Esplanade where it was neglected.

The Thurso Community Council spearheaded the restoration of the structure, and with a financial donation from UKAEA Dounreay, and a personal donation of time from Mr. Robbie Maitland, a painter and decorator, the fountain was returned to its previous glory.

Drinking fountain number 19 (10’ 10” high), manufactured by Walter Macfarlane’s Saracen Foundry in Glasgow, originally stood on a square plinth opposite the Town Hall. The wide base with canted corners supports a circular shaft ornamented with water lilies. Four lion jambs support four highly decorated quatrefoil basins. The stanchion and central column are decorated with floral relief and projecting acanthus. Four consoles protrude from the column to suspend drinking cups on chains. The capital supports the finial, a statue of Samson. Symbolism was popular in Victorian times. Lions are symbolic of guardianship and Samson is symbolic of strength.

Used with permission. Source: http://www.thursointeractive.co.uk/around.aspx#item23

Used with permission, Bill Fernie. Source: http://www.caithness.org/atoz/thurso/photogallery/index.php?gallery=64&image=0

Used with permission, Bill Fernie. Source: http://www.caithness.org/atoz/thurso/photogallery/index.php?gallery=64&image=0

Used with permission, Bill Fernie. Source: http://www.caithness.org/atoz/thurso/photogallery/index.php?gallery=64&image=0

Used with permission, Bill Fernie. Source: http://www.caithness.org/atoz/thurso/photogallery/index.php?gallery=64&image=0

Used with permission, Bill Fernie. Source: http://www.caithness.org/atoz/thurso/photogallery/index.php?gallery=64&image=0

Used with permission. Source: http://www.thursointeractive.co.uk/around.aspx#item23

Used with permission, Bill Fernie. Source: http://www.caithness.org/atoz/thurso/photogallery/index.php?gallery=64&image=0

Glossary

• Acanthus, one of the most common plant forms (deeply cut leaves) to make foliage ornament and decoration
• Capital, the top of a column that supports the load bearing down on it
• Canted corner, an angled surface which cuts of a corner
• Console, a decorative bracket support element
• Finial, a sculptured ornament fixed to the top of a peak, arch, gable or similar structure
• Jamb, a projecting vertical post containing sculpture
• Plinth, flat base usually projecting, upon which a pedestal, wall or column rests
• Quatrefoil, a type of decorative framework consisting of a symmetrical shape which forms the overall outline of four partially-overlapping circles of the same diameter
• Stanchion, an upright bar or post providing support

 

Diamond Jubilee Fountain

Location: Askam-in-Furness, Cumbria, England

In the late 19^th century, the people of Askam-in-Furness made monetary donations to purchase a cast iron water fountain in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The fountain is located near the railway crossing at Duke Street and was erected in 1897. The structure which was recorded as a Grade II listed building on 6 May 1976 was recently vandalized in April 2015 when the commemoration plaque was stolen.

In the late 19^th century, the people of Askam-in-Furness made monetary donations to purchase a cast iron water fountain in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The fountain is located near the railway crossing at Duke Street and was erected in 1897. The structure which was recorded as a Grade II listed building on 6 May 1976 was recently vandalized in April 2015 when the commemoration plaque was stolen.

Design number 8 from Walter Macfarlane & Co.’s catalogue was manufactured at the Saracen Foundry at Possilpark in Glasgow. The structure is 9 feet 6 inches high and consists of four columns, from the capitals of which consoles with griffin terminals unite with arches formed of decorated mouldings.

Rope moulded roundels within each lunette offered shields for dedication. On two of the sides provision was made for receiving an inscription using raised metal letters; whilst on the other two sides was the useful monition, Keep The Pavement Dry. Civic virtues such as temperance were often extolled in inscriptions on drinking fountains.

The cartouche within the lunette facing Duke Street contains a dedication: ERECTED / IN / COMMEMORATION OF / HER MAJESTY’S / DIAMOND JUBILEE / 1897 and above, KEEP THE PAVEMENT DRY. The cartouche at the rear of the structure depicts a bust of Queen Victoria. The remaining cartouches contain cranes. The structure is surmounted by an open filigree dome, the apex being a crown with a pattée cross.

Under the canopy stands the font (casting number 7) 5 foot 8 inches high. The basin which has a scalloped edge and decorative relief is supported by a single decorative pedestal with four pilasters and four descending salamanders, a symbol of courage and bravery. A central urn with four consoles offered drinking cups suspended by chains, and the original terminal was a crane. These items are missing from the current structure.

Symbolism was popular in Victorian times. Griffins are symbolic of guardians of priceless possessions, salamanders display bravery and courage that cannot be extinguished by fire, and cranes are recognized as a symbol of vigilance.

 

Used with permission, Bob Hanna. Source: http://www.sam-hanna.co.uk/chalk/Chapter_15.htm

Creative Commons License, Peter Rivington

Used with permission, Martin & Jean Norgate. Source: http://www.geog.port.ac.uk/webmap/thelakes/html/lgaz/lk13092.htm

Used with permission, Martin & Jean Norgate. Source: http://www.geog.port.ac.uk/webmap/thelakes/html/lgaz/lk13092.htm

Creative Commons License, Michael Graham. Source: http://ukbeach.guide/photos/uk-photos.php?photo=134926

 Glossary

• Capital: The top of a column that supports the load bearing down on it
• Cartouche, a structure or figure, often in the shape of an oval shield or oblong scroll, used as an architectural or graphic ornament or to bear a design or inscription
• Console: a decorative bracket support element
• Filigree, fine ornamental work
• Fret, running or repeated ornament
• Griffin, winged lion denotes vigilance and strength, guards treasure and priceless possessions
• Lunette, the half-moon shaped space framed by an arch, often containing a window or painting
• Pattée cross, a cross with arms that narrow at the centre and flare out at the perimeter
• Pilaster, a column form that is only ornamental and not supporting a structure
• Plinth, flat base usually projecting, upon which a pedestal, wall or column rests
• Roundel, A small circular decorative plate
• Terminal, statue or ornament that stands on a pedestal