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Recent releases
Much anticipated work to restore the historic Grade B Listed fountain on Dumfries High Street began this week (w/c 3rd Oct) with the aim of it being fully operational for next spring.
The fountain is an important part of the social history of the town. It commemorates the introduction of fresh water to Dumfries and Maxwelltown that provided a turning point and symbol of hope for the people of Dumfries following the devastating cholera epidemics of 1832 and 1848. The restoration of the Fountain will be one of the first projects identified in Dynamically Different Dumfries, the community led vision and action plan for the town centre to be completed.
This fountain is a combined cascade and spray fountain, made in a complex assembly of over 100 dismountable cast iron parts. Work is needed now because the fixings that hold the fountain together are corroded and need to be replaced to ensure the fountain’s future. There is also a need to ensure that the water flowing through the fountain meets modern safety standards, so a new water treatment and pumping system is required. These restoration works will bring the fountain back to its former glory and safeguard its future for many decades to come.
The restoration project is being led by award-winning engineering consultancy Industrial Heritage Consulting Limited with the works being undertaken by Wigan based Lost Art These companies are amongst a handful of specialists in the UK with a successful track record in restoration of fountains of this type.
People are encouraged to stop and look at the Interpretation boards which form part of the safety hoarding around the site. The boards will tell the history of the fountain, provide useful and interesting information, and display artwork produced by schools and the wider community during Phase 1 of the Community Engagement Process. The boards will also have letterbox slots at varying heights to enable people to peek through and to see what is happening on site.
Once the site is fully operational work will begin on the dismantling and removal of the fountain to Wigan where restoration work will be undertaken on each part before being brought back to be reassembled on site.
Chair of Economy and Resources Committee, Katie Hagmann said: “The restoration of this historical landmark is very specialist work which must be undertaken by experts in line with best engineering practice. It’s not an easy job, but it does provide us with an opportunity to preserve this well-known sight, not only for the current community, as requested, but for future generations.”
Vice Chair, Sean Marshall said: “I am pleased to see this community-led project finally getting started after appeals from the public to restore the popular and historic town landmark. The Fountain is listed on the Common Good register, and is therefore owned and operated by our Council for the benefit of the people of Dumfries. A lot of research has gone into the project behind the scenes and with participation from local people to ensure the final product will be not only sustainable, but will also resemble the original as closely as possible.”
If you have questions or knowledge you would like to share on the history of the Fountain please email: dumfriesfountain@dumgal.gov.uk
