About The Exhibition

EXHIBITION AT TURNTABLE GALLERY, GRIMSBY

The Fountain, Found!

19 November - 17 December 2022

Open Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00 - 15:00

A 150 year old Grimsby relic is to be given a new lease of life in at the town’s boldest, contemporary arts space, The Turntable Gallery!


This exhibition, co-produced by The Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society and The Turntable Gallery, will see the fountain , donated by local dignitary and philanthropist Edward Bannister, on display for the first time in 20 years.


This exhibition will reinvigorate the town’s enthusiasm for such an important relic.  As well as displaying a number of artefacts relating to the Bannister story and the history of the fountain, the exhibition will also provide an online archive which we’ll add your stories to!


This historic fountain which once stood proudly in St James Square will be on show from 19th November until 17th December at the gallery. 

The Turntable Gallery,  8 Victoria St, Grimsby, DN31 1DP
www.turntablegallery.uk

About the Exhibition

Kerry Henderson, speaking on behalf of the Civic Society, said: 

 

“We are hoping that people come to see the exhibition and share their own stories and memories.


The fountain, the art school and other parts of the Bannister legacy are all around us in spirit, if not physically as they have been lost over time.


It would be great to think that the fountain can be fixed and placed on permanent display.


I have received so many positive messages about the fountain, which people remember fondly.” 

 

The Civic Society have been delighted to work with The Turntable Gallery, who have certainly made an impact on the local arts scene.


Recently they pulled a major coup by premiering new works by the renowned British Artist, Jake Chapman – and they aren’t stopping there.


Artist and co-owner Dale Wells said: 


“This is really exciting.  It is like we are entering the next era for the fountain.

It is an ongoing process to try and find Grimsby’s lost art so that we can bring it back into view, so it is great to see our work bearing fruit.


The fountain is a bit battered and it is not in the best repair, but it is still quite glorious.


It is so ornate and you can see why people remember it so well, from the time it lived in St James Square. 


People remember sitting next to it with a packed lunch – it is such a shame it was taken out of action.” 

 

Dale’s fellow artist and co-owner, Darren Neave added: 

 

“We want to display it in the gallery, in a position where people can really get a good look, so they can appreciate the work that went into it.



It was donated by such a fascinating character, in Edward Bannister, who was a real artistic powerhouse and driving force for the town.” 

 

The exhibition would not have been possible without the support of a few key people, such as Lee Brocklebank who owns the fountain and has supported putting it on display, and Lincs Inspire who have helped with research and provided archive materials. 

CAST IRON MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN

When the bucket fountain was removed from St. James Square in the 1970s, a canopied drinking fountain was installed in its place. It was restored in 1977 and recorded as a Grade II historic building on 30 June 1999, and then delisted in November of the same year. It was removed and put into storage by North East Lincolnshire Council.


Drinking fountain number 8 from Walter Macfarlane & Co.’s catalogue was manufactured at the Saracen Foundry at Possilpark in Glasgow. The structure was 9 feet 6 inches high and consisted of four columns. Griffin terminals spouting water united with arches formed of decorated mouldings.

Four rope moulded cartouches hosted the Great Grimsby Coat of Arms comprised of a chevron between three boars’ heads, and two inscriptions Presented By The Mayor 1869, and Restored Jubilee Year 1977.

The arches above two lunettes were inscribed with the useful monition, Keep The Pavement Dry. Civic virtues such as temperance were often extolled in inscriptions on drinking fountains.

The structure was surmounted by an open filigree dome, the finial being a crown with a pattée cross.


Under the canopy this design usually contained a font with a crane terminal. However, the crane is not present in photographic evidence which probably means that it was either stolen or removed.


The basin (2 feet 6 inches in diameter) which had a scalloped edge and decorative relief was supported by a single decorative pedestal with four pilasters and four descending salamanders, a symbol of courage and bravery.


A central urn with four consoles offered drinking cups suspended by chains. The fountain was operated by pressing a button. Water also spouted from the mouths of the griffin capitals.

Symbolism was popular in Victorian times. Griffins are symbolic of guardians of priceless possessions, salamanders display bravery and courage that cannot be extinguished by fire, and cranes are recognized as a symbol of vigilance.

Research Article at Memorial Drinking Fountains - A Database of over 400 posts identifying cast iron drinking fountains located around the world.

CAST IRON MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN - GLOSSARY

  • Capital: The top of a column that supports the load bearing down on it

  • Cartouche, a structure or figure, often in the shape of an oval shield or oblong scroll, used as an architectural or graphic ornament or to bear a design or inscription

  • Console: a decorative bracket support element

  • Filigree, fine ornamental work

  • Finial, a sculptured ornament fixed to the top of a peak, arch, gable or similar structure

  • Griffin, winged lion denotes vigilance and strength, guards treasure and priceless possessions

  • Lunette, the half-moon shaped space framed by an arch, often containing a window or painting

  • Pattée cross, a cross with arms that narrow at the centre and flare out at the perimeter

  • Pedestal, an architectural support for a column or statue

  • Pilaster, a column form that is only ornamental and not supporting a structure

  • Terminal, statue or ornament that stands on a pedestal


Research Article at Memorial Drinking Fountains - A Database of over 400 posts identifying cast iron drinking fountains located around the world.

The Edward Bannister Legacies

Find out more about some of the legacies that Edward Bannister left to the people of Grimsby.

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