Lead Pic: Brighton & Hove Mayor Cllr Jackie O’Quinn cutting the ribbon
A celebration to mark the completion of the Victoria Fountain restoration project and its return to the Old Steine was held on October 12.
Councillors, community groups, local historians and specialists involved with the restoration project, gathered at the Old Steine to celebrate the historic milestone, and see the working fountain restored to its former glory.
The event included Brighton & Hove Mayor Cllr Jackie O’Quinn cutting the ribbon, a blessing with members of Fountain International and a special performance by the Wellington Wailers Sea Shanty group.
Experts who have skilfully restored the cast iron fountain and council officers who managed the project were on hand to talk about project and history of the iconic Brighton landmark.
Work on the £400,000 restoration project began in December 2022 when, following significant structural problems, the fountain was switched off, dismantled and transported to Leicester, where specialist restoration work was been carried out.
This has included cleaning and repairing the large cast iron dolphins and fountain pool and decorative ‘egg-and-dart’ moulding ring using the innovative ‘Fusion Cast’ process which involves welding cast iron.
The fountain returned to the Old Steine in April to be carefully reassembled on a new reinforced concrete base and fitted with new electrics, pumps and water pipes and a new lighting scheme which provides red, green, blue and white lighting which can be controlled to mark special occasions.
Council leader Bella Sankey said: “It’s wonderful to see another piece of Brighton’s unique heritage has been restored and given a new lease of life, it looks more exquisite today than ever.
“I’m delighted that our residents will be able to take pleasure in this impressive sculpture with its cascading water that so delighted our Victorian predecessors.
“We are committed to making Brighton & Hove as beautiful as possible and this restoration project will play an important role in that.”
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