This fountain is a unique piece of craftsmanship designed in the Italian Renaissance manner. The bath surrounding the fountain is symmetrical. The base has four short decorative columns each with a headpiece repeating the motif of the central columns. These provide uniform water flow. Four fish figurines, which are usually hidden behind cascades of water from the circular dish above, surround the central shaft of the fountain. The fountain, which stands 5 metres high, is lavishly decorated.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
186
Date Entered
15th February 1990
Date of Effect
15th February 1990
City/District Council
Rangitīkei District
Region
Horizons (Manawatū-Whanganui) Region
Legal description
Lots 10 11 Pt Lots 1 2 3 DP 286 Ongo SD
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
186
Date Entered
15th February 1990
Date of Effect
15th February 1990
City/District Council
Rangitīkei District
Region
Horizons (Manawatū-Whanganui) Region
Legal description
Lots 10 11 Pt Lots 1 2 3 DP 286 Ongo SD
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value The fountain was specially designed for the International Exhibition at Christchurch 1906 and has since been associated with Merchiston, one of New Zealand's finest rural residences.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY: The fountain is a rare example of the work of local craftsmen in Christchurch at the turn of the century. Sculpted in Oamaru stone, it resembles international fountains, such as seen in St Peter's Square, Rome. TOWNSCAPE/LANDSCAPE VALUE: The fountain is the focal point in a splendid garden.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value The fountain was specially designed for the International Exhibition at Christchurch 1906 and has since been associated with Merchiston, one of New Zealand's finest rural residences.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY: The fountain is a rare example of the work of local craftsmen in Christchurch at the turn of the century. Sculpted in Oamaru stone, it resembles international fountains, such as seen in St Peter's Square, Rome. TOWNSCAPE/LANDSCAPE VALUE: The fountain is the focal point in a splendid garden.
Construction Details
Start Year
1906
Type
Original Construction
Start Year
1907
Type
Relocation
Description
Fountain relocated at Merchiston.
Construction Materials
Oamaru Stone; iron pipe to feed water
Notable Features
Its placement, which conveys a sense of importance to the homestead, and enhances the garden.
Construction Details
Start Year
1906
Type
Original Construction
Start Year
1907
Type
Relocation
Description
Fountain relocated at Merchiston.
Construction Materials
Oamaru Stone; iron pipe to feed water
Notable Features
Its placement, which conveys a sense of importance to the homestead, and enhances the garden.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION: This fountain is a unique piece of craftsmanship designed in the Italian Renaissance manner. The bath surrounding the fountain is symmetrical, enhancing the central piece. The base has four short decorative columns each with a headpiece similar to the central columns. These provide uniform water spouts. Four fish figurines, which are usually hidden behind cascades of water from the circular dish above, surround the central shaft of the fountain. The fountain, which stands 5 metres high, is lavishly decorated. MODIFICATIONS: 1907 Fountain relocated at Merchiston.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION: This fountain is a unique piece of craftsmanship designed in the Italian Renaissance manner. The bath surrounding the fountain is symmetrical, enhancing the central piece. The base has four short decorative columns each with a headpiece similar to the central columns. These provide uniform water spouts. Four fish figurines, which are usually hidden behind cascades of water from the circular dish above, surround the central shaft of the fountain. The fountain, which stands 5 metres high, is lavishly decorated. MODIFICATIONS: 1907 Fountain relocated at Merchiston.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
11th October 2001
Report Written By
Helen McCracken
Information Sources
New Zealand Historic Places
New Zealand Historic Places
Gombrich, 1984
E H Gombrich, The Story of Art, 14th edition, Phardon Press, England, 1984
Pfannschmidt, 1984
G E Pfannschmidt. 1968 Fountains and Springs, Harrap & Co. Ltd. London
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
11th October 2001
Report Written By
Helen McCracken
Information Sources
New Zealand Historic Places
New Zealand Historic Places
Gombrich, 1984
E H Gombrich, The Story of Art, 14th edition, Phardon Press, England, 1984
Pfannschmidt, 1984
G E Pfannschmidt. 1968 Fountains and Springs, Harrap & Co. Ltd. London
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Fountain
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Fountain
Location
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