3-046-990 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Lord Mayor opening the new drinking-fountain at Bow, [east London], 1872. 'The monumental drinking-fountain erected, by a local public subscription, in front of the Bow station of the North London Railway, is a testimonial dedicated to Messrs. Bryant and May, of Fairfield Works, Bow, manufacturers of the "Patent safety Lucifer Matches"...It was considered that the most useful kind of memorial would be a drinking-fountain, which seemed the more appropriate since Mr. Bryant, the head of the firm, has been a stanch advocate of teetotal principles during thirty-five years. This monument was designed by Mr. Rowland Plumbe, architect...The lower part of the structure is arranged as a fountain having on three sides water-jets, with bowls under...Above this level is an open groined canopy...which contains a marble figure of Justice sitting on a throne. The design is of an Early Gothic character of Venetian type...the work was executed by Mr. J. W. Seale...The Lord Mayor of London and Lady Gibbons...tasted the water, and pronounced it pure and good. He then formally consigned it...to the custody of the Metropolitan Drinking-Fountains Association...The band of the Hon. Artillery Company played some appropriate music, and a prayer was offered'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.