Restoration of the Victoria Fountain gets underway

Work has begun to restore the historic Victoria Fountain which was removed from Old Steine Gardens last month.

The 32ft fountain, also known as the Dolphin Fountain, has been disassembled and transported to workshops in Leicester, where it will undergo a complete restoration.

Restoring the dolphins

The Victoria Fountain was switched off in January last year after significant and complex structural problems were discovered.

The large, cast-iron dolphins and fountain pool, with its ‘egg-and-dart’ moulding ring, have already been blasted ready for inspection and for welding work to begin.

Work is being overseen by Edgar and Wood Mechanical Services Ltd with specialist contractors working on the metalwork, water features and lighting.

While the fountain is being renovated, a new reinforced concrete base will be installed on the original site, providing a solid, secure and level base for the rebuilt fountains.

Specialist task

Councillor Martin Osborne, co-chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said: “The Victoria Fountain is a valued part of our local heritage so it’s fantastic news that restoration work is now underway.

“Repairing and restoring historic cast iron structures is a specialist task, so we are pleased that this important city landmark is in the capable hands of expert restorers.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the Victoria Fountain restored to its former glory and taking pride of place, once again, on Old Steine Gardens.”

Work is currently on schedule and it is hoped that the restoration will be completed by late Spring. However, this will be determined after the condition of the metalwork, waterproofing and mechanical design has been fully assessed.