Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain

DETAILS

DesignerArthur Oscar CollingridgeDate Created 1897DescriptionThis his second design, was a fountain in Ryde to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. In 1897, the Australian colonies enthusiastically celebrated this jubilee, the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne, a "record reign". It was as a member of the committee formed in Ryde to organise local celebrations that Arthur Collingridge put forward a proposal for a drinking fountain. The most notable feature of his design was its incorporation of a profile of the Queen within the pedestal of the fountain which can be seen from all sides.

The contractors for the work were the well-known Sydney firm of Loveridge and Hudson. The fountain was erected at the intersection of Church and Glebe Street (now Victoria Road) and was unveiled by the Governor of New South Wales on October 30 1897. The Cumberland Argus & Fruitgrowers' Advocate reported that it was "not only an ornament to the district but a most useful convenience." On top of the fountain was "a handsome globe fitted with the latest improved incandescent gas burner and surmounted by a beautifully designed and gilded crown."

Collingridge's profile of Queen Victoria on the pedestal was judged "most excellent" and presumed to be "the only one of its kind in the colony, if not in the world." The fountain, minus its gas burner, is now located at the intersection of Victoria Road and Blaxland Road, Ryde.

Image

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: close-up of profile of Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: the base of the monument showing the profile of Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: original plaque of Rotary Club of Ryde

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: view of the monument, Victoria Road in background

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: view of monument, Victoria Road in background

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: western facade of fountain

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: view with Blaxland Road in the background

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: frontal view of western side of fountain

Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain: plaque of Rotary Club of Ryde explaining how to see Queen Victoria's profile

People & Families

Arthur Oscar Collingridge, 1853-1907

LOCATION

SuburbRydeCoordinates^[1]Original location^[2]Current location

CONNECTIONS

KeywordMonuments and memorialsFountainsSubjectsMonuments--New South Wales--RydeQueen Victoria Jubilee Fountain (Ryde, NSW)Fountains--New South Wales--RydeDrinking fountains--New South Wales--RydeVictoria Road (Ryde, NSW)Blaxland Road (Ryde, NSW)Arthur Oscar Collingridge, 1853-1907CollectionHistorical Markers of RydePeople & FamiliesArthur Oscar Collingridge, 1853-1907

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