Victoria Recreation Ground Drinking Fountain
Restoration of the drinking fountain
This drinking fountain was erected in 1916 by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Trough Association at the centre of the southern edge of the Victoria Recreation Ground. The land was initially leased from the Earl of Lovelace in 1888 and was later purchased for a recreation ground in 1901. Originally known as Balaclava Recreation Ground, in 1902 it was renamed Victoria Recreation Ground for Queen Victoria. Today it has tennis courts, a cafe and a play-area.
The drinking fountain is structurally unstable with multiple cracks running through the column. There are minor chips on the bowl edge and the base edge. Pointing in the joints is failing and, in some parts later cementitious mortar repairs are evident. The lid, urn and neck sections are missing, and the remaining lower part of the neck (part of the bowl) has been filled with concrete.
The drinking fountain will be cleaned and then dismantled and all old plumbing removed. Replacement carving for the neck and urn will be made in granite to match the existing style, detail, colour and texture as closely as possible.
The column will be repaired and the inscription on the column will be cleaned painted in enamel paint and then gilded. It will be replumbed and re-erected.