This fountain was constructed using granite from 14 local quarries and was designed in 1878 by John Bridgeford Pirie, an eminent local architect who was the son of a sea captain.

The fountain was presented to the people of Aberdeen in 1881 by the Granite Polishers and Builders of Aberdeen. It was estimated to have cost £500 at the time.

The fountain was initially the idea of John Morgan, one of the most prominent builders in the city. It was designed to showcase the finest work of local granite industry. It was first proposed for a site near Union Terrace, though Victoria Park was eventually selected.

As can be seen in early photographs, the fountain originally had a rockery feature at its base.

The fountain features the monograms of the stonemasons and firms who created it.

The monograms, or names, of the master mason's involved in the creation of the fountain was at one point quite controversial. The report on the installation of the ornament in the <i>Evening Express</i> of 30th April 1881, page 2, includes the following:

"Many may take exception to the appearance of the monograms, and in one or two cases the full names, of the donors carved on the various stones; but that is a comparatively small defect in view of the general excellence of the structure. Numerous are those who have contributed their quota to this gift, and all deserve a share of the credit of its execution and presentation; but it is no more than what is called for to mention Mr John Fyfe as having given some of the most expensive and most artistic portions of the fountain."

An article describing the fountain from the <i>Aberdeen Free Press</i> of 16th March 1881, page 5, lists the names represented on the fountain:

"John Fyfe (Kemnay), John Gibb & Son, J. Mowlem & Co., and A. & F. Manuel; Alexander Milne (builder), Alexander Milne (stonecutter), J. and J. Ross, George Henderson, Alexander Henderson, Edgar Gauld, Pringle & Slessor, Thomas Donaldson, Fordyce & Company, John Ross, Duguid & Wilson, James Mitchell, Peter Murray, James Willox, William Ferguson, Grant and Watt, Peter Bisset & Son, Alexander Leith, Boddie & Wilson, James Wright & Sons, J. and J. Ogg, J. W. Legge, G. & R. Hall, J. Petrie and Co., James Hunter, William Keith, and Adam Mitchell & Company."

This image was taken on 28th February 2024.

A photograph of a monogram on the fountain in Victoria Park.

This fountain was constructed using granite from 14 local quarries and was designed in 1878 by John Bridgeford Pirie, an eminent local architect who was the son of a sea captain.

The fountain was presented to the people of Aberdeen in 1881 by the Granite Polishers and Builders of Aberdeen. It was estimated to have cost £500 at the time.

The fountain was initially the idea of John Morgan, one of the most prominent builders in the city. It was designed to showcase the finest work of local granite industry. It was first proposed for a site near Union Terrace, though Victoria Park was eventually selected.

As can be seen in early photographs, the fountain originally had a rockery feature at its base.

The fountain features the monograms of the stonemasons and firms who created it.

The monograms, or names, of the master mason's involved in the creation of the fountain was at one point quite controversial. The report on the installation of the ornament in the Evening Express of 30th April 1881, page 2, includes the following:

"Many may take exception to the appearance of the monograms, and in one or two cases the full names, of the donors carved on the various stones; but that is a comparatively small defect in view of the general excellence of the structure. Numerous are those who have contributed their quota to this gift, and all deserve a share of the credit of its execution and presentation; but it is no more than what is called for to mention Mr John Fyfe as having given some of the most expensive and most artistic portions of the fountain."

An article describing the fountain from the Aberdeen Free Press of 16th March 1881, page 5, lists the names represented on the fountain:

"John Fyfe (Kemnay), John Gibb & Son, J. Mowlem & Co., and A. & F. Manuel; Alexander Milne (builder), Alexander Milne (stonecutter), J. and J. Ross, George Henderson, Alexander Henderson, Edgar Gauld, Pringle & Slessor, Thomas Donaldson, Fordyce & Company, John Ross, Duguid & Wilson, James Mitchell, Peter Murray, James Willox, William Ferguson, Grant and Watt, Peter Bisset & Son, Alexander Leith, Boddie & Wilson, James Wright & Sons, J. and J. Ogg, J. W. Legge, G. & R. Hall, J. Petrie and Co., James Hunter, William Keith, and Adam Mitchell & Company."

This image was taken on 28th February 2024.

Location

Rosemount

Keyword

Parks and gardens

Photographer

David Oswald