Restoration work begins on historic Coronation Gardens drinking fountain

Restoration work has begun on the historic Coronation Gardens drinking fountain in Southfields, Wandsworth. Read more about the project in the press here.

Stonemason Florian Kirchertz and his team from London Stone Conservation have started work, dismantling the pink granite structure and reconnecting the fountain to a fresh water supply. This exciting restoration project includes fixing the fountain’s base and restoring the ornamental bowl.

In addition, a brand-new, beautiful bronze statue of the UK’s first professional female landscape gardener, Fanny Wilkinson, will be added to the fountain. Wilkinson was a feminist pioneer who was responsible for laying out more than 70 parks and gardens in London, including, fittingly, Coronation Gardens itself. Read more about Wilkinson in this Guardian article: 'She changed the face of London': statue to be unveiled of suffragist gardener.

Local sculptor Gillian Brett is currently working on this inspiring art project.

Stonemason Joe talks to students from Francis Barber PRU on the Coronation Gardens drinking fountain

Children from Riversdale Primary School listen as stonemason, Joe, talks about his work

Stonemason Joe hands a student a piece of granite at the Coronation Gardens drinking fountain

School children examine a fork chisel tool on site at Coronation Gardens

As part of HOLT’s Proud Places programme young people from Francis Barber Pupil Referral Unit visited the project to learn about stonemasonry.

Teacher, Alberto, explained the impact the workshop had had on his students: ‘Isaiah doesn't normally engage in lessons anymore so the fact that he participated in the stone workshop is amazing.

'That he came back to do it again with the other class shows just how much he enjoyed it,’ Alberto said.

Arlo, aged 15, was particularly inspired by the Proud Places workshop: ‘I didn't really know much about stonemasons before today. But now I'm considering a career as a stonemason.’

Younger children from next door Riversdale Primary School were delighted to learn about the new statue of Fanny Wilkinson. ‘This will be a great way of remembering her,’ said Kenna, aged 7.

• Work on the Coronation Gardens drinking fountain is due to be completed in early July.