Remember when fountains symbolized more than just water? The Magyar Igazság kútja or Well of Hungarian Justice stands before us. It is a bronze fountain statue. It is in Budapest’s District VIII. Let’s dive into its story.
This fountain is not just a pretty sight. The Magyar Igazság kútja has a tale of international gratitude. In 1927 Lord Rothermere owned the Daily Mail. He published an article. It addressed the injustices of the Treaty of Trianon. This treaty greatly affected Hungary. Rothermere’s article “Hungary’s Place in the Sun” resonated deeply. Hungarians saw him as a champion. They hoped the lost territories could be regained.
So who was this Lord Rothermere? He became incredibly popular in Hungary. Some even suggested his son should be invited to be the Hungarian king. Hungary was a kingdom without a king at the time. The hope was to revise the borders more easily with Rothermere’s influence.
To honor Rothermere a movement started. It aimed to erect a monument expressing gratitude. The Magyar Igazság kútja was unveiled on June 8 1929. István Szentgyörgyi created the fountain. It even featured Lord Rothermere’s image.
The Pesti Hírlap described the fountain’s unveiling. A stone cup rises from a large basin. A cube sits in the cup’s center. Rothermere’s bronze relief adorns one side. The inscription reads: “This well was erected by grateful Hungarians in honor of Viscount Rothermere. His letter kills oppression. His soul revives justice. 1928.” Atop the cube stands Justitia. She is the Goddess of Justice with scales. A young girl representing the abandoned Hungarian nation clings to her side.
Interestingly the Magyar Igazság kútja was Budapest’s first motorized fountain. A pump recirculated the water. The cascading water symbolized Hungarian justice spreading worldwide.
Lord Rothermere continued to support Hungary. He donated “The Hungarian Pain” statue. He also supported Endresz György and Magyar Sándor’s transatlantic flight. Their plane was named “Justice for Hungary”.
After 1945 the new regime changed public sculptures. Many monuments including irredentist ones were removed. The Magyar Igazság kútja survived. However it was altered.
In the early 1950s Rothermere’s image was removed. Justitia lost her scales. The inscription was removed. But the accents above the letters remained visible. The fountain’s water was turned off.
Today the Magyar Igazság kútja has been restored. In 2004 it was returned to its original form. It stands as a reminder of a complex history. It shows international support and shifting political landscapes. The Magyar Igazság kútja remains a symbol of hope and justice.