Perhaps you’ve passed by the Westgarth Drinking Fountain without realizing its story. It stands here as a testament to Melbourne’s past. It is a reminder of one man’s vision for the city.
The Westgarth Drinking Fountain is more than just a pretty structure. It is a piece of history manufactured by Alexander McDonald & Co. This pink-granite fountain was a gift to the people of Victoria. William Westgarth, an 1840s pioneer, presented it upon his return to Melbourne. He was visiting the Centennial Exhibition in 1888.
Look closely. The Westgarth Drinking Fountain is made of Aberdeen pink granite and bronze. Two cast-bronze emus form the drinking spouts. Two embracing kangaroos sit above the drinking troughs. A finial-like bronze and glass light tops the fountain.
William Westgarth was born in Edinburgh in 1815. He arrived in Melbourne in 1840. He quickly became a prominent merchant and politician. He was also a strong advocate for education and social reform. Westgarth helped found the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute. He also helped establish the Benevolent Society.
The Westgarth Drinking Fountain commemorates the centenary of white settlement in Australia. It also provided iced drinking water on a moderate scale. There was even a trough for horses and a bowl for dogs.
Imagine this scene. It’s the late 1880s. People gather around the Westgarth Drinking Fountain. They quench their thirst on a hot day. Horses drink from the trough. Dogs lap water from the bowl. The fountain is a social hub.
The Westgarth Drinking Fountain has not always stood here. Around 1953, it was removed from its original site. Giannarelli & Sons acquired it for their land at Merri Creek in Northcote. But it was never erected there.
The fountain’s parts were disassembled. They were later found around the creek with the Coburg Council. Giannarelli restored it for temporary display. It stood on Melbourne Avenue at the 1988 Brisbane Expo.
In 1993, the City of Melbourne purchased the Westgarth Drinking Fountain. It was then returned to Carlton Gardens.
Notice the inscription on the Westgarth Drinking Fountain. It reads: “To Victoria from one of her earliest colonists in pleasant remembrance 1840-88.” These words capture William Westgarth’s sentiment. He wanted to give back to the city he loved.
William Westgarth was a prolific writer. He published several books about Australia. He also wrote about economics and social issues. Westgarth was a true intellectual.
Westgarth left Australia in 1857. He established a sharebroking firm in London. He continued to promote Australian interests abroad. He died in London in 1889.
William Westgarth’s legacy lives on. The Westgarth Drinking Fountain stands as a symbol of his generosity. It reminds us of Melbourne’s early days. It speaks of progress. It is a testament to community spirit. The Westgarth Drinking Fountain serves as a reminder of the past. It offers a cool drink to those passing by.