The Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Information Sheets

The return of an icon, the Peacock Fountain

In 1906 the Honourable John Peacock, a distinguished Christchurch pioneer, businessman and politician, bequeathed in his will 500 pounds to the Christchurch Beautifying Association 'for the purpose of beautifying the reserves and gardens in the City of Christchurch and improving the Avon River'. After much debate, a decision was made to purchase an ornate fountain for placement within the Gardens.
The elaborate and decorative cast iron fountain was a product of the Coalbrookdale Foundry in Shropshire, England. This famous foundry cast the world's first iron bridge in 1770 and later oversaw the production of ornamental cast iron which during successive decades became one of its specialities. The fountain, consisting of three tiers was supported by a moulded octagonal base surrounded by four dolphins. The lower and upper bowls were decorated with rushes and lily leaves between which were mounted four herons. Above the upper bowl was an ornate spire giving the fountain a height of over six metres. The fountain had a total of fifty water jets with water sprays reaching a height of nine metres and diameter of twelve.

Erected in 1911, the fountain was originally sited in a concrete pool on a pathway adjacent to where the Robert McDougall Art Gallery now stands. It was later moved westward to a new position at the eastern end of the Archery Lawn

In this situation it was not contained in a pool but by being in a general depression the water display formed a small lake that surrounded it.

In succeeding years there were numerous recurring problems with the fountain. A 1949 Council report noted that due to damage and cracks in the metal work and continued mechanical problems the fountain could not function properly and should be removed. When the fountain was dismantled in October 1949 the internal pipes were found to be badly corroded and in many instances broken.

Several attempts by various organisations and individuals were made to reinstall the fountain over the years and a variety of sites were proposed. However, it was not until March 1995 that a conservation plan prepared for the Christchurch City Council began the process for the full restoration of the Peacock Fountain. A new site at the eastern end of the Armstrong Lawn framed by large specimen trees and revival gothic buildings was selected as a focal point for the fountain and proposed new formal entranceway to the Gardens.

This grand and noble Edwardian fountain would be virtually impossible to construct today. How patiently its supporters, sponsors and restorers have worked to achieve such a magnificent result. How easy, without such people, it would be to lose such works forever.