Ross Fountain

Overview

Nestled within the picturesque West Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, the Ross Fountain stands as a magnificent and iconic landmark. This ornate, French-made cast-iron water feature captures the eye with its intricate details and serves as a popular backdrop for photographs, beautifully framed by the towering Edinburgh Castle. The fountain's design is a rich tapestry of artistry, featuring mermaids, cherubs, walrus and lion heads, alongside four graceful female figures. These figures symbolically represent the pillars of human endeavor: science, arts, poetry, and industry. After a comprehensive restoration, completed in 2018, the fountain proudly displays its vibrant colours and fully operational waterworks, inviting visitors to admire its grandeur once more.

History & Cultural Background

The journey of the Ross Fountain from its inception to its prominent place in Edinburgh is a story rich in ambition and a touch of controversy. It was originally produced at the Antoine Durenne iron foundry in Sommevoire, France, and expertly sculpted by the renowned artist Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann. Klagmann also contributed designs to the famous Medici Fountain and the Louvre Fountain in Paris, highlighting the pedigree of the Ross Fountain's artistry. The fountain first gained public attention when it was showcased at the Great Exhibition in London in 1862.

It was here that Daniel Ross, an Edinburgh gunmaker, was so captivated by its beauty that he purchased it for £2,000, envisioning it as a gift to his home city. In 1869, Ross gifted the fountain to Edinburgh. The massive structure had to be disassembled into 122 individual pieces and shipped to Leith, Edinburgh's port, before being transported to Princes Street Gardens for reassembly.

However, its installation was not without difficulty. The 'naked nature' of some of the female figures caused considerable scandal and objection, particularly from the minister of St John's Episcopal Church, who deemed them 'indecent' and 'disgusting'. This delayed its public unveiling until 1872. Tragically, Daniel Ross passed away in 1871, a year before his magnificent gift was officially unveiled and able to be enjoyed by the citizens of Edinburgh. The fountain stands today as a testament to Edinburgh's dedication to enhancing its public spaces and blending artistic beauty with urban functionality.

What Makes It Special

The Ross Fountain is celebrated for its distinctive 19th-century Beaux Arts style, a testament to the opulence and artistry of the Victorian era. Its ornate cast-iron construction, a feat of engineering for its time, features an elaborate array of mythological and allegorical figures. The fountain's four central female figures represent the vital concepts of Science, Arts, Poetry, and Industry, offering a symbolic narrative to its aesthetic appeal.

Perhaps its most striking feature is its dramatic setting. Positioned against the imposing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the fountain creates a compelling visual contrast between its delicate, intricate artistry and the rugged, historic fortress. Following its restoration, the fountain now boasts a vibrant colour scheme of turquoise, brown, and gold, carefully chosen to reflect the original hues of similar French fountains from the period. The foundry that produced it, Durenne, famously boasted that their cast-iron work was as fine as bronze, yet considerably more affordable, making the Ross Fountain a masterpiece accessible to a wider public.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Beyond its visual appeal, the Ross Fountain carries intriguing stories. Its initial controversy over 'indecent' nude figures reflects the social sensibilities of Victorian Edinburgh, contrasting sharply with the artistic norms of its French origin. Daniel Ross, the generous benefactor, never lived to see his gift fully installed and admired by the city, adding a poignant note to its history.

The fountain underwent a monumental restoration from 2017 to 2018, necessitated by years of disrepair, with water having been turned off since 2008. This meticulous project, costing an estimated £1.9 to £2 million, involved 40,000 hours of work and an impressive 650 litres of paint to restore its former glory. On July 8, 2018, the fountain was joyfully re-inaugurated, marking its triumphant return. An additional enhancement in November 2018 saw a new, low-energy lighting system installed, allowing the fountain to shimmer and delight visitors even after dusk. It remains one of Edinburgh's most beloved and frequently photographed spots, a testament to its enduring charm.

Visitor Perspective

For any traveler to Edinburgh, the Ross Fountain offers a compelling focal point within the tranquil setting of Princes Street Gardens. As a public park feature, it is freely accessible, inviting visitors to explore and admire its beauty at their leisure. The fountain provides spectacular, postcard-perfect views of Edinburgh Castle, making it an essential stop for photography enthusiasts. It's an ideal location to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of one of Scotland's most iconic landscapes. The evening brings a different kind of magic, as the fountain's illuminated waters dance against the night sky, offering a truly enchanting experience.