Show on mapThis cast iron fountain dates from the opening of the park in 1893
I read on the English Heritage website that the fountain was made by Carrons of Glasgow , but i’m not convinced.
It looks to be an exact match to the Model 51 from Walter Macfarlanes, Saracen Foundary catalogue who also made the bandstand.
Which catalogue did you check it using?
I would like to know how to research Macfarlane’s castings.
I’m afraid I don’t remember the exact version of the catalogue, in the past they all used to be free on Google Books, but not any longer.
This is probably worth a look though, it doesnt contain the fountains but has a lot of info about the Foundary
https://issuu.com/hspubs/docs/macfarlane_s_castings_volume_1
Actually i’ve just re-located it on Page 21 of this catalogue.
https://archive.org/details/macfarlanescasti00walt
Thank you for an early answer and answering a past article!
I look for it using these catalogues.
“Listing secured for opulent fountain in Stockton-on-Tees. Ropner Park’s ornamental fountain has received Grade II listing as a well-preserved example of Victorian cast-iron work, with its opulent and elaborate design demonstrating strong group value with other ornamental structures in the park.
The Victorian Society submitted an application last year to safeguard the fountain against future possible changes and to mark its value and quality.
Without listing, any historic building, monument, or in this case fountain, is at higher risk of being lost, as permitted development rights grant alteration and demolition without requiring planning permission that takes into account heritage value.
Built in 1893 by Walter Macfarlane and Company of Glasgow, this cast-iron, three-tiered spray fountain is richly detailed and is an excellent example of late-Victorian design.
Almost every surface is covered in elaborate nature-inspired adornments. The basins are decorated with passion-flower rosettes, an ivy-leaf frieze, bulrush and lotus leaves, while the column’s design includes herons, daffodils, squirrels, birds, dragonflies and putti. Right at the top within a leaf-bowl is a putto seated on a mushroom and holding up a lily pad.
The fountain sits at the intersection of the main paths and has a strong visual relationship with the other structures within the Grade II* Park and Garden, especially the bandstand by the same manufacturer.
Walter Macfarlane and Company of Glasgow were one of the most well-known and prolific suppliers of cast-iron structures in the world. Active between 1851 and 1967, they produced a range of constructions including telephone kiosks, lamp posts, bandstands, fountains, urinals and sewage ventilator shafts.
Over 80 listed cast-iron structures are currently attributed to them, but many more examples of their work are known to exist.” Victorian Society 17th February 2020.