In 1861, a peculiar incident led to the creation of the Slade Fountain. Felix Slade, a prominent philanthropist and art enthusiast, was strolling through Kennington Park. He requested a drink of water. He was appalled to receive dirty water in a chipped glass. This sparked an idea. Slade, also the founder of the Slade School of Art, noticed children playing nearby without access to clean water. He decided to take action. He commissioned an elaborate fountain made of red Aberdeen granite, adorned with brass handles and a bronze urn bearing his monogram. The Slade Fountain was meant to be a grand gesture of goodwill. Sadly, it quickly fell victim to theft. The handles were stolen shortly after its installation, followed by the bronze urn. The urn was replaced, only to be stolen again. The Slade Fountain, once a symbol of generosity, became a curious relic of the past. Today, only the granite base remains. It stands as a reminder of Slade’s intentions and the unfortunate fate of his well-intentioned gift. The missing urn, with its bas reliefs of biblical figures Jacob, Rebecca, Hagar, and Ishmael, serves as a silent testament to a bygone era. The Slade Fountain’s story reflects the changing times and the enduring spirit of Kennington Park.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service