Following its removal for specialist restoration work in January, all parts of the Brighton’s Victoria Fountain have been transported back to its home on Old Steine Gardens.
The 32ft fountain, also known as the Dolphin Fountain, will now be re-assembled behind hoardings, which will ensure work can continue while the gardens play host to the Brighton Spiegeltent during the Brighton Fringe Festival in May.
Work should be completed in time to unveil the fountain in June. The Victoria Fountain was switched off in January last year after significant and complex structural problems were discovered.
Since then, the large cast-iron dolphins and fountain pool, with its ‘egg-and-dart’ moulding ring, was blasted ready for inspection and welding work. While the fountain was off site a new reinforced concrete base has been installed, providing a solid, secure and level base for the rebuilt monument.
Specialist contractors Edgar and Wood Mechanical Services Ltd are overseeing the renovation project.
Donna Chisholm, Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “The Victoria Fountain is a valued part of our local heritage so it’s fantastic news that restoration work is progressing so well.
“Repairing and restoring historic cast iron structures is a specialist task and required transporting the fountain to Leicester and back. The work completed so far looks amazing and we can’t wait to see it finished and back to its former glory.
“We’ve been pleased to collaborate with the local event organisers throughout the process to ensure Brighton Spiegeltent can again be an important and popular part of the Brighton Fringe in Old Steine Gardens.”
