Hyde Park’s Archibald Memorial Fountain has been restored to operational capacity following extensive remediation and conservation works overseen by City of Sydney.
Designed by French sculptor Francois Sicard, the Greek-esque fountain is a war memorial originally created to commemorate the alliance forged by Australia and France in the first world war. The fountain was gifted to the city by J.F. Archibald, the celebrated Australian journalist.
“The Archibald Fountain is one of Sydney’s most photographed landmarks, and is a nationally significant sculpture,” says Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“Families, friends and visitors enjoy meeting at the Archibald Fountain under the shade of tree canopy in Hyde Park, as a quiet respite from the city.
“While the fountain was commissioned to honour an association forged through war, the sculptor made peace the theme of this work, a message that remains as poignant today as it was a century ago.
“The new public art we create in Sydney is essential and exciting, like the stunning sculpture bara near the Opera House, but it’s also important we restore historical pieces so future generations can enjoy the city’s many layers of history.”
The works undertaken on the fountain included structural, hydraulic, electrical and mechanical upgrades. The City of Sydney also introduced water-saving measures to minimise water loss and prevent damage to underground pipes and pumps.
Spanning 18 metres in diameter, a bronze Apollo sits in the fountain’s centre, with Diana, Pan and the Minotaur also depicted in the work. Water which spurts in the shape of an arch depicts the rising sun, with water spouting from horses’ heads, while tortoises and dolphins direct jets of water toward the centre.
A lighting layout designed in the 1960s by Robert Woodward has been uncovered during the work and has been newly implemented by City of Sydney.
The fountain is now operational in Hyde Park. For more information, click here.
