Location: San Valentino, Pescara, Italy
The cast iron drinking fountain located at the base of the staircase leading to the church of San Valentino and Damiano is seated on a two tiered circular stone plinth. The date of its installation is unknown.
The structure which was restored in 1989 is design number 19 by Walter Macfarlane & Co., advertised as a standalone fountain or for placement under a canopy structure. Manufactured by the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow, the 10’ 10” structure has a wide base with canted corners supporting 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 protruding from the column offered suspended drinking cups on chains. The capital supports the finial, a statue of Samson with a drape tied at his waist, breaking free of the ties which bind his wrists. The square plinth upon which the statue stands is inscribed with name Samson and Walter MacFarlane & Co. Glasgow.
Symbolism was popular in Victorian times. Lions are symbolic of guardianship and Samson is symbolic of strength.
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
Memorial Drinking Fountains 
