A bronze sculpture of a Greek god stands before you. This is the Triton Fountain. It stands in the middle of a pool in Queen Mary’s Gardens. Look closely at the sculpture. You will see Triton blowing a conch shell. Two water nymphs are at his feet.
The Triton Fountain wasn’t always here. A conservatory once stood on this very spot. It belonged to the Royal Botanical Society. The society gave up the site in 1931.
Sigismund Goetze commissioned William McMillan to design this fountain in 1936. McMillan also designed one of the fountains in Trafalgar Square. World War II interrupted its completion. The Triton Fountain wasn’t finished until 1950.
Goetze lived nearby in Grove House. It is now Nuffield House. He lived there for 30 years until he died in 1939. He was a painter and sculptor. Goetze donated many features to Queen Mary’s Gardens.
Constance Goetze, Sigismund’s wife, dedicated the Triton Fountain to his memory. The inscription reads: “In memory of Sigismund Christian Hubert Goetze 1866-1939 / Painter, lover of the arts and benefactor of this park”. Constance also founded the Constance Fund. The fund financed fountains in Green Park and Hyde Park.
The Triton Fountain won a gold medal. It was the best sculpture exhibited in London that year. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry. The Triton Fountain is a beautiful addition to Regent’s Park. It stands as a tribute to Sigismund Goetze. It is a reminder of his love for the arts.