Restoration of Hanbury fountain

We were thrilled to unveil the restored Hanbury Drinking Fountain in Wimbledon yesterday.

Over 100 local people joined us to celebrate the restoration and relocation of the fountain including the Mayor of Merton, Cllr Martin Whelton, and pupils from Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College.

The ornate Victorian fountain is a striking example of the 19th century fascination with classical architecture. Modelled on the 4th century BC Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, it reflects a period when classical Greek design shaped Britain’s public monuments and civic spaces.

It has been moved to the bustling Wimbledon High Street from its former Wimbledon Common site in order to serve a higher number of passers-by with free, fresh drinking water.

As well as being brought back to working order, the restoration project included new piping as well as work to the heavily corroded cast iron fountain pillars and gilded lettering.

This is the19th historic drinking fountain restored by HOLT. In 2023 Heritage of London Trust restored the Toynbee Fountain in Wimbledon.

108 local young people were involved during the project as part of the Proud Places programme, including from Malden Oaks alternative provision school.

Local residents and school children were delighted with the project.

Steve Graham, Managing Director, Imago Interiors said:

“The relocation is fantastic, it’s in an active area and as a landmark is iconic, it will be forever. To see the interaction from the schools that have been involved; it's great to see them talk with confidence and you can see people that maybe might not be used to speaking in public master that. Excellent attendance for the event too!”

Robert Moses, local resident, said:

“I think the relocation is fabulous, it puts the whole thing front and centre, because where it was in the past it was largely out of sight, out of mind. The work that has been done here is brilliant, the idea for it to have fresh running water. Now we have the Toynbee Fountain at one end giving fresh drinking water and this at this end. I think it’s brilliant, I’m really delighted.”

Ben, age 16, from Wimbledon College said:

"This drinking fountain represents the ability to bring more to locals. It's a necessity for all of us, even though some of us here may not be from an English heritage, we all need water to survive. With projects like this we can come together as a community and a culture to do something good for everyone.”

Emily, 15, Malden Oaks Lower School Richmond (AP) said:

"I think it's a good idea to move the fountain to Wimbledon village because it's then in a more social and beautiful area. People will be able to see the horses walking through as well as the fountain."

Thanks to the support of the Jones Day Foundation and to Merton Council and the Wimbledon Society for working with us on this project.

Read more about the project in the press here.