June 23 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
After Dumfries’ fountain has been fully restored to working order and returned to its place in Dumfries High Street, all are invited to mark the official launching of the renovated fountain with a ceremonial turning on of the water supply, led by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Collect your own commemorative certificate as part of the event, which will also include music and performance from Dumfries Town Band and local dance troupes. Local school groups who have been part of the project will also attend.
The For Enjoyment team will also be hosting some accessible printing fun to celebrate the historic official unveiling of the Fountain.
“A dedicated group of volunteers have taken our iconic town centre fountain and tirelessly worked towards it been restored to its former glory with the expertise and dedication of skilled artisans.
We want to celebrate the day capture the celebrations get creative and produce some fabulous prints with any age or ability.”
The fountain was first unveiled on 5th of December 1882, by the then Provost Lennox. It was made by the Sun Foundry, Glasgow by George Smith and Co. and commemorates the supply of public drinking water to the town from nearby Lochrutton. The fountain is an important part of the social history of Dumfries, as the introduction of fresh water marked a turning point for following the devastating cholera epidemics of 1832 and 1848.
The Fountain Restoration Group came together in 2017 to support the fountains restoration, led by Dumfries and Galloway Council, with support from Industrial Heritage Consulting, The Stove Network with the works carried out by Lost Art over the course of the past 8 months.