Wednesday 23 February 2011

Tan Kim Seng Fountain in Singapore made by Andrew Handyside.

Andrew Handyside who made Friar Gate bridge also made lots of decorative fountains, they were renowned for their high quality and much sort after around the world. Many examples of their work are still in use today. These fountains were made right here in Derby at the Duke Street Foundry "Britannia Iron Works".

The Britannia Foundry established its reputation with ornamental fountains and vases well before
embarking on bridges for Victorian Railway mania. Before Andrew Handyside took over the Britannia Iron works in 1846 it was owned by Weatherhead and Glover, they had become well known for their fine decorative iron work which Handyside developed even further.

One such ornate fountain is located on Esplanade Park in Singapore. It was built in Derby about Tan Kim Seng donated $13,000 in 1857 towards building Singapore's first public waterworks to ensure a better supply of fresh water to the town. The Tan Kim Seng Fountain was erected by the Municipal Commissioners to commemorate Tan's donation. The fountain was installed in 1882 in Fullerton Square to perpetuate his name. The fountain was then moved to Battery Road in 1905 and later in 1925 to the Esplanade Park where it now stands as you can see the the photographs below.

This particular design of fountain is listed as Design Number 16 on Page 13 of the 1879 publication "An Illustrated book of Designs for Fountains and Vases, costing from £1 to £1200 manufactured by Andrew Handyside".

Photograph of Kim Seng Fountain :
Tan Kim Seng Fountain
Photograph by Chooyutshing.

Close up detail of a water spout on this fountain :
Tan Kim Seng fountain sculpture
Photograph by Pancy98.

Photographs of the fountain at night:
Tan Kim Seng Fountain
Photograph by Pancy98.

statues on fountain
Photograph by Pancy98.

Videos of this fountain at night, Videos by Pancy98. :


Close up video of the fountain:


This particular design of fountain can be found in several locations throughout the globe.
If you know of one that I have not mentioned yet or not marked on my Andrew Handyside map then please get in touch.

Thanks
Andy

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