Victoria Recreation Ground 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 was structurally unstable with multiple cracks running through the column. There were minor chips on the bowl edge and the base edge. Pointing in the joints was failing and, in some parts later cementitious mortar repairs were evident. The lid, urn and neck sections were missing, and the remaining lower part of the neck (part of the bowl) had been filled with concrete.

HOLT and Kingston Council restored this fountain in 2025 and as part of the project, the column was repaired and the inscription on the column painted in enamel paint and then gilded. It has been re-plumbed and re-erected, with a plaque installed next to one of the steps. Replacement carving for the neck and urn has been made in granite to match the existing style, detail, colour and texture as closely as possible.

The fountain was unveiled by the Mayor in December 2025.