Fountain Sculpture In Pool At Lambeth College

This is a kinetic fountain sculpture dating from 1960-61 and created by Kenneth Martin, commissioned by the London County Council. Constructed from stainless steel, the sculpture stands five feet above the water level and has a radius of over three feet. It comprises a spiral of seven platforms, diminishing in size as they rise, alongside a parallel spiral form of seven pipes which channel water. The design is rooted in Martin’s experiments with screw propulsion, drawing on mathematical principles and influences from Russian constructivism, the writings of Charles Biederman, and the work of Vantongerloo. The sculpture’s spiral form interacts with light and water, offering a visual contrast to the rectilinear buildings nearby. Martin created only one other public steel fountain, in Gorinchem, Holland. The fountain is recognised as a rare and exceptional example of kinetic sculpture, contributing significantly to the group value of the location.