John Passmore Edwards, a successful publisher, journalist and philanthropist in Victorian London, was a passionate advocate for improving the lives of the working class, in particular ensuring their access to clean water. Passmore Edwards donated eleven drinking fountains throughout his lifetime, including Christchurch Fountain, located at the back of Christ Church in Southwark. 

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The fountain was constructed in 1900 when the churchyard was relandscaped and opened as a public garden by the Metropolitan Public Gardens. The fountain survived aerial bombings during the Second World War which destroyed the church. 

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Over 70 young people from local youth clubs, schools and young refugee groups visited the site throughout the restoration to learn about Victorian health, hygiene and philanthropy. The groups created a range of creative responses to the site including stone carvings, ‘stained glass’ prints and community outreach posters.