Dyce Drinking Fountain

The Dyce Drinking Fountain is an ornate structure dating from 1862, designed by William Dyce R.A. (1806-1864). It was erected on Streatham Green as a thank offering by local parishioners for his work on the new chancel at St Leonard’s Church. William Dyce was a prominent Victorian artist and a devout Anglo-Catholic, and this fountain reflects his support of the Gothic Revival movement.

The fountain is constructed of alternating bands of Portland stone and red sandstone, with mouldings in Portland stone and a marble basin. It features a steeply pitched gabled pediment flanked by gabled end piers, with floral ornaments within the pediment’s moulding. A circular design in the centre of the pediment contains an eight-petalled, stylised flower inlaid with coloured hardstone. Below this is an arched band featuring Gothic script reading, "For I will pour water on him that is thirsty," and a trefoil-headed arch with a green glazed tile mosaic, metal cross, and water spout. A scalloped-base marble bowl is supported on a half-octagonal, panelled pedestal set on a half-octagonal base. A granite slab in front serves as a step to reach the bowl.

The rear of the fountain is simpler, with alternating stone bands and a central block containing the fountain’s mechanics. This block includes an inscription reading "ERECTED / BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION / A.D. 1862," below which are eroded names, believed to be The Rev J.R. Nicoll, M.A. Rector, Sidney Churchill, and W. Dyce R.A., churchwardens. A band of four-petalled floral decoration and a stylised circular rose design are located beneath the pediment. The fountain’s significance lies in its attractive Gothic Revival design and its association with the important artist William Dyce, a resident of Streatham and church warden of St Leonard’s.