Circling around the Boy and Dolphin Fountain, can you feel its artistic vibe? This is not just a fountain. It is a sculpture with a story. It is a testament to art’s journey through London.
The Boy and Dolphin Fountain was designed by Alexander Munro in 1865. Munro was a British sculptor from the Pre-Raphaelite movement. His work was called refined and full of true feeling.
Originally, the Boy and Dolphin Fountain served as a drinking fountain. But, in 1900, it was changed to be purely ornamental. Before finding its current home, the Boy and Dolphin Fountain had quite the journey. It stood by Park Lane initially. This was the centerpiece of a formal sunken garden. The garden was made on the 18th-century reservoir site.
In 1962, the fountain was moved to Regent’s Park. It was placed in the center of the southern part of the Broadwalk, in the Avenue Gardens. Here, it replaced the Swan Fountain. The Swan Fountain had been irreparably damaged by London’s atmosphere. The Boy and Dolphin Fountain itself was moved from Park Lane. It was no longer needed in Hyde Park due to road widening.
But the Boy and Dolphin Fountain’s travels didn’t end there. In 1994, plans were made to change the Avenue Gardens. The fountain was removed. It was restored and placed in the new Rose Garden near Grosvenor Gate in Hyde Park. This was very close to its original position in Park Lane.
The Swan Fountain, which the Boy and Dolphin Fountain replaced in Regent’s Park, also had an interesting history. Designed by R. Westmacott the younger and executed by J.S. Westmacott, it featured a polished slate basin, a base of scotch granite, and copper and bronze swans. It even had a female water carrier on top. The Swan Fountain was removed due to weathering and damage from the London atmosphere.
The story of the Boy and Dolphin Fountain reflects London’s ever-changing landscape. The Boy and Dolphin Fountain, once a simple drinking fountain, has become a symbol of artistic refinement. Its journey through different parks highlights its enduring appeal. Its presence enhances the beauty of its surroundings.
As you stand here, consider the journey of the Boy and Dolphin Fountain. It has moved from Park Lane to Regent’s Park, and back to Hyde Park. Each location adds to its story. Each move enhances its significance. The Boy and Dolphin Fountain remains a timeless piece of art.