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Victoria Fountain gets a facelift

Released on 28 Jul 2008

Oxford City Council and Oxford Preservation Trust are working in partnership to restore the Victoria Fountain, at The Plain in Oxford.

The architect E. P. Warren designed the fountain. He was also responsible for the Eastgate Hotel and several college buildings, at the expense of G. H. Morrell MP and his wife, (of Morrells Brewery). The fountain was built to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It was inaugurated in 1899 by HRH Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria, at a ceremony with Lord Mayor Thomas H Kingerlee.

The restoration work includes stone cleaning to the base and columns, restoration of the clock dials and remaining section of wind vane, decoration of the clock tower and underside of roof and general roofing repairs. A new information board nearby will tell visitors about the fountain and the site's previous history.

Councillor Colin Cook, Executive Board Member for City Development says "I'm very pleased that the city is carrying out this restoration.

"The fountain's history makes it an important landmark for Oxford, and the work will help residents and visitors to appreciate its significance."

Debbie Dance, Director of Oxford Preservation Trust, says: "We are delighted to be once again working in partnership with the City Council to restore this landmark, five years after our successful joint work on the Martyrs Memorial.

"We are very grateful to Magdalen College for their generous contribution which has made the project possible, and look forward to seeing the fountain restored to its former glory."

Work begins on Monday 28 July and should be completed by October 2008.

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