We were thrilled to unveil the restored fountain in the centre of Albion Square, Hackney. This is one of just three remaining drinking fountains erected by celebrated philanthropist John Passmore Edwards (1823 – 1911) and marks our fifth restored drinking fountain in London this year. Each one of which has been fully restored with fresh drinking water and a big community celebration. This project was completed with HOLT and the support of Hackney Council.
Over 130 local residents and school children joined us at the launch, there was live music from Hackney Ukulele Band and food and drink. Local children from Queensbridge Primary - Ogonna Johnson, Mona Wedde and Joy Delpratt-Gbadamosi – gave presentations.
Passmore Edwards was a political and social reformer and became one of the most successful newspaper proprietors of his time. He put his energies into philanthropy, funding more than 70 public buildings. One of his aims was to “place drinking-water within reach of many of the poorest” but this is the only one of his three surviving fountains to have water again.
As part of our Proud Places programme, over 100 local school children visited the project and learnt about stonemasonry and gilding. Some made their own ceramic drinking fountains which won a place at this year’s RA Young Artists’ Summer Show. The project was supported by The Jones Day Foundation.
See a video below of the celebrations!