New statue of Fanny Wilkinson unveiled in Coronation Gardens

The Coronation Gardens Fanny Wilkinson drinking fountain launch. Photo by Lizzie Glithero-Wes

Sculptor Gillian Brett, Cllr Jeremy Ambrache, student Nanna and Nicola Stacey at the unveiling

The Fanny Wilkinson statue unveiling

Local schoolgirl, Olivia fills up her waterbottle at the restored Edwardian drinking fountain.

A brand-new statue of Fanny Wilkinson by sculptor Gillian Brett has been unveiled in Coronation Gardens.

Fanny Wilkinson was the UK’s first professional female landscape designer. She was responsible for laying out more than 70 parks and gardens in London, including Coronation Gardens in the early 1900s.

The original drinking fountain had lost its figurine. This was replaced by a statuette of Fanny Wilkinson to commemorate this brilliant, impactful, but largely forgotten figure from London's history.

At the unveiling, Dr Nicola Stacey, Director of Heritage of London Trust said, 'A newspaper report in 1890 mentions that King Edward VII, when he was Prince of Wales, met a remarkable woman at a park she had designed, and had "complimented her on her work".

'But she was never named. Today is our chance to name her.

'Fanny Wilkinson was a Victorian pioneer. She was absolutely determined to become a gardener, and she was single-minded in getting trained; she was the only woman on her course. Once she was established with the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, she insisted on being paid for her knowledge and expertise. Fanny said, "I certainly do not let myself be underpaid as many women do. I know my profession and charge accordingly, as all women should."

'Wilkinson laid out more than 70 public parks all across the city. Many were disused burial grounds or other neglected spaces. Some were donated, rather like this one. And she absolutely transformed them in a very robust way, so they really lasted, in the way this one has. Trees, plants, avenues, children’s playgrounds often with water fountains just like this; they are parks for children to play in, and for people to enjoy, full of public amenities.

'This is her moment. We’re so thrilled to be part of this project to unveil an incredible statue by the wonderful artist, Gillian Brett.'

Gillian Brett said, ‘I chose to celebrate Fanny Wilkinson because she’s been fairly unrecognised. Most people don’t know her story. Most people think London’s parks have been there forever; I certainly did! When I read about Fanny Wilkinson and what she brought to London, I thought it was such an interesting and compelling story, that I decided to commemorate her with this sculpture.’

Cllr Jeremy Ambrache, Mayor of Wandsworth, said, ‘Isn’t it great to have a drinking fountain back in use! It’s the perfect place to refill your drinking bottles and keep hydrated. It also serves a social purpose, for people coming here, with their dogs, with their children, to meet and talk to other people. It’s great to have a historic fountain restored back to its former glory.’

Many local children attended the unveiling. More than 100 young people have been involved with the project through Heritage of London Trust’s Proud Places scheme, taking part in creative workshops and learning from the conservation team.

Nathan, a 17 year old student from Southfields Academy, said, ‘Restoring a fountain like this one in Coronation Gardens can bring a sense of pride to local residents. It improves a public space that people use every day, and that they care about. It can also create a stronger connection to the area’s history and culture. For me, I know this is true. I didn’t know anything about this park before and now I have a personal connection to it.’

The Coronation Gardens fountain restoration project was carried out thanks to the Drinking Fountains Association; the Friends of Coronation Gardens; the Friends of Putney School of Art and Design; Putney School of Art and Design; Southfields Grid Residents’ Association; Wandsworth Council; and Heritage of London Trust with support from the Jones Day Foundation.