Coronation Gardens Fountain

In 1903, the growing village of Southfields became home to a new public park described by a local paper as "Wandsworth’s new lungs”. Coronation Gardens was created from land donated by Sir William Lancaster (1841–1929), an English businessman, philanthropist, and politician, who played a significant role in the area's development. As the second Mayor of the newly formed borough of Wandsworth (1901–02) and co-founder of the Putney School of Art and Design (PSAD), Lancaster left a lasting legacy.

The picturesque park’s name commemorates the coronation of King Edward VII in August 1902. The gardens were beautifully laid out by Fanny Wilkinson, the country's first professional female landscape designer and have changed little since. Lancaster’s two sisters contributed a granite drinking fountain in his honour in 1904.

The original drinking fountain, crafted from rough-hewn granite, features an Art Nouveau-style bowl and ornamental railings on one side. Due to years of weathering and wear the fountain was in urgent need of restoration. At the front of the fountain, a figurine once stood above the drinking bowl, holding a water jug. The figurine disappeared many years ago, believed to have been stolen along with the fountain's commemorative plaque.

The restoration project included a full repair to the structure, reinstatement of the water function and restoration of all original features including a newly commissioned bronze figurine of Fanny Wilkinson by sculptor Gillian Brett.

The fountain and statue was unveiled to a large crowd in July 2025. The restoration was made possible thanks to Heritage of London Trust with support from the Jones Day Foundation; Wandsworth Council; Drinking Fountain Association; Friends of Coronation Gardens; Friends of Putney School of Art and Design; Gillian Brett (sculptor); London Stone Conservation; Putney School of Art and Design and Southfields Grid Residents’ Association.

Our news post: https://www.heritageoflondon.org/post/new-statue-of-fanny-wilkinson-unveiled-in-coronation-gardens