WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“I didn’t know it was important until I saw it being restored!”
— Margaret E, East London
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“I didn’t know it was important until I saw it being restored!”
— Margaret E, East London
RECENT PROJECTS
Coronation Gardens fountain
The picturesque park’s name commemorates the coronation of King Edward VII in August 1902.
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The gardens were beautifully laid out by Fanny Wilkinson, England’s first professional female landscape designer and have changed little since. Lancaster’s two sisters contributed a granite drinking fountain in his honour in 1904.
At the front of the park’s fountain, a figurine once stood above the drinking bowl, holding a water jug. The figurine disappeared many years ago, believed to have been stolen along with the fountain's commemorative plaque. A replacement for the sculpture, a bronze statue of Fanny Wilkinson, has been created by sculptor, Gillian Brett.
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During Proud Places trips, young people have been introduced to the conservators and taught the history of the site, also engaging in stonemasonry workshops. They were asked about their thoughts on female representation in sculpture, raising valid questions about equality. They also considered the positive environmental impacts of having a fountain in a park. The young people spoke at the fountain’s community event and met sculptor Gillian Brett.
“Isaiah doesn't normally engage in lessons anymore so the fact that he participated in the stone workshop is amazing and how we came back to do it again with the other class shows how much he enjoyed it.”
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– Alberto, Teacher, Francis Barber PRU
“I didn't really know much about stone masons before today but now I'm considering a career as a stone mason.”
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– Arlo,15, Francis Barber PRU
“Both men and women do great things and both should be celebrated.”
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– Alena, 7
“It’s cool seeing the water is back on, it looks great and lovely having the little step there for children to use again”
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– Lola,17, Ark Academy Putney
Creative responses
