Work Begins To Restore Chiswick's Historic Drinking Fountain

Contractor appointed to begin work on Turnham Green Terrace

(from left to right) Member of Heritage of London staff Cllr John Todd, Sharyn Cardozo LBH, Dr Nicola Stacey Heritage Director, a member of her staff, Jo White London Stone and Gareth James LBH.

The restoration of the disused drinking fountain on Chiswick Back Common, just off Turnham Green Terrace, is now ready to get underway.

London Stone Conservation Ltd have been awarded the contract to refurbish the fountain.

A site meeting of the team involved, including officers of Hounslow Council, Cllr John Todd who is spearheading the restoration, and members of London Stone, was held last week.

Cllr John Todd said, 'I'm thrilled that we can now start the refurbishment
We have to do some initial exploratory work to confirm a nearby water supply and drainage system meets contemporary regulations.

Councillor Todd secured S106 funding and has asked Hounslow Highways and Thames Water to assist with suitable water piping.

The fountain appears to be of the 124 design that was common across London in the early twentieth century, providing water for animals and humans. There is a similar fountain in Grove Park, which the DFA assisted in restoring.

The fountains were built in granite, some pink ad some grey. Originally the water from the spout was collected in metal cups secured with chains to bronze eyelets on top of the bowl. However that was deemed to be unhygienic as there was a potential for disease to be spread, and the cups were also stolen or vandalised. Original designs also featured a rosette as a delivery spout.

It is hoped that the fountain will be restored and able to provide clean drinking water for passers-by, with the current emphasis on saving plastic bottles, local residents will be able to refill their reusable bottles from the tap and dogs will also be catered for with a dog bowl at the bottom.

April 20, 2019