Restored Georgian water fountain to be focus of public exhibition

The restoration of the historic Georgian water fountain and lamp outside Boxmoor Hall has taken place with additional funding from Dacorum Borough Council, and will now become the focus of a new public exhibition at the hall itself.

The structure was created by Joseph Cranstone and erected in 1835, but was originally situated in what is now Queensway, opposite the entrance to Gadebridge Park. It was moved to Boxmoor when the junction of Marlowes and Broadway was altered.

Joan Hands of the Dacorum Heritage Trust said: “It had become a sorry sight in recent years, but is now resplendent in its pastel colours and shiny new glass in the lamp, which is once again in working order.”

The display – to celebrate the completion of the project – will feature photographs, text and items contributed by Boxmoor Hall, the Heritage Trust and town Local History and Museum Society, the Society of Friends and both South Hill and Roman Fields Schools.

As well as the structure itself, the display will also explore the history of Boxmoor Hall and its current life as a dance and performing arts academy, as well as the story of the Cranstones, who were a local Quaker family of ironmongers and iron founders.

Northern firm TM Studios, headed by Tim Millard, was responsible for the renovation and painting of the fountain. Tim, who has been involved in many similar projects, and will give talks on his work during the exhibiition, which runs from Monday, September 15, to the following Wednesday, September 17.

The hall will be open form 10am to 4pm, admission is free and light refreshments will be sold.

Questionnaires will also be available about the proposed Dacorum Museum and Art Gallery to be sited at The Bury, close to the original spot where the fountain once stood.

Parking on site is limited but the Park Road car park is nearby.