image of the Doulton Fountain in front of the People's Palace

The Doulton Fountain

 

The Doulton Fountain is the largest terracotta fountain in the world, as well as the best surviving example of its kind.  The fountain has been beautifully restored and relocated to the front of the People's Palace.


The Doulton Fountain was gifted to the city by Sir Henry Doulton, and first unveiled at the Empire Exhibition held at Kelvingrove Park in 1888.  The fountain was then moved to Glasgow Green in 1890.  

A sculptural extravaganza, the fountain was designed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee of 1887, and celebrate Britain’s Imperial achievements - the fountain is crowded with figurative groups representing Australia, Canada, India and South Africa.

The largest terracotta fountain in the world and the best surviving example of its kind, it has five tiers, is 46 feet high and 70 feet across the base – the third of the width of a football pitch.

image of water spouting from the Doulton Fountain image of the Glasgow crest on the Doulton Fountain image of water spouting from the Doulton Fountain image of a section of the Doulton Fountain image of Queen Victoria atop the Doulton Fountain


Following a £4 million refurbishment and relocation programme the fountain has been restored to its former glory.  It is now located to the front of the People's Palace.

The switch on of the refurbished fountain took place in May 2005.  Liz Cameron the The Lord Provost of Glasgow said: “The Doulton Fountain is an enduring symbol of Glasgow, Glasgow Green and the redevelopment of the East End.” 

The refurbished fountain recently received a commendation by the influential Saltire Society.  As part of its Arts and Crafts Architecture Awards, the Society "recognised the craftsmanship and sensitive use of material... by... Ibstock Hathernware in this major reconstruction of a fine Victorian commemorative fountain."

 

The two-year project, part of Glasgow Green’s £15.5million facelift, was the result of collaboration between the Council, European Regional Development Fund, the Headley Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.

The Royal Doulton name is well know around the world for the fine tableware and collectables produced by the company.

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image of the Doulton Fountain