Archibald Fountain

PROJECT DATE : 2017, 2020
project
Archibald Fountain
client
City of Sydney
services
Monuments, Public Art, Sculpture Conservation

Originally unveiled in 1932 – just five days before the opening of the Harbour Bridge – the Archibald Fountain is considered one of Australia’s finest public fountains.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s Hyde Park, it was built with the bequest of its namesake J.F. Archibald (founding editor of The Bulletin in 1880). The sculpture was designed by French artist François-Léon Sicard (1862-1934). A noted Francophile, Archibald requested the sculpture be designed by a French artist to commemorate the relationship between Australia and France during the First World War.

Spectacular to behold, the fountain features bronze sculptures of Greek gods and mythical creatures emerging from a large circular pool. The central figure of Apollo, high on a granite pedestal, is surrounded on lower-level plinths by groups of sculptures including Theseus and the Minotaur, and Diana (goddess of hunting) with hounds and a deer.

Condition

Due to exposure to the elements, numerous conservation and maintenance works were required.

ICS was commissioned by the City of Sydney to undertake cleaning and conservation work to both the granite and bronze components of the fountain.

Treatment

Work included:

  • Assessing the condition of the sculpture and preservation requirements
  • Cleaning of bronze sculptures, including removal of old wax, localised corrosion treatment and application of protective coating
  • Cleaning of all granite, including plinths, central fountain feature and coping
  • Cleaning of bronze jets, removal of corrosion from hose jets (as required) and re-waxing
  • Cleaning of plaques
  • Repointing of granite coping, the joints of the granite between the bronze sculpture and the granite plinth, and the central granite plinth

More information

  • The Archibald Fountain has been highly commended in the built heritage conservation category at the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards in May of 2023. Further information on that can be found here
  • Visit the City of Sydney’s page on the Archibald Fountain

project
Archibald Fountain
client
City of Sydney
services
Monuments, Public Art, Sculpture Conservation
During Treatment
After Treatment

More Projects Like This One

The Discovery of an Old Master Panel Painting Masquerading as a 19th Century Copy

 Overview ICS won the 2022 NSW National Trust “Conservation – Interiors and Objects” Award for the restoration of this 17th Century still life. The discovery of the true artist and date of the piece made headlines around the world. The still life painting originally belonged to the National Trust’s Woodford Academy collection. Its provenance was unknown, and for many years...

Stations of the Cross

Overview ICS was engaged by St Agnes’ Catholic Church to undertake conservation treatment on the 14 Stations of the Cross and two sculptures of Mary and Jesus located inside St Agnes’ Catholic Church in Port Macquarie. Each Station is modelled...

Central Station Melocco Room

Birdwood Flag