Brentford Fountain, Western International Market

The Brentford Fountain, also known as Western International Market Fountain, dates from 1877 and is constructed of grey granite with cast iron railings and lamp standards. It is a drinking fountain in a distinctive Gothic Revival style. The fountain comprises an octagonal spire, which sits atop a tall, square middle section featuring a cornice and a gabled niche on each side. Each niche contains a trefoil-headed panel with a shell motif at the top. Projecting bowls are positioned on either side of the structure. Engaged columns define each corner. The fountain is set on a tall base with steps leading up to the east and west, and lamp standards placed at each corner, these inscribed "GEO SMITH & Co SUN FOUNDRY GLASGOW." Decorative Gothic Revival railings run along the north and south sides, punctuated by posts with quatrefoil bosses at the centre of X-framed panels. The eastern niche retains the original inscription: "The gift of Mrs Wheeler / the widow of / SAMUEL WHEELER Esq / formerly of / Barrow Hills Chertsey Surrey / and / Brunswick Terrace Brighton / 1877 / erected by the / Drinking Fountain & Cattle Trough / Association." A bronze plaque is affixed to the western niche, commemorating the opening of the Western International Market in 1974. The fountain originally stood near Kew Bridge, within the Brentford Market, and was unveiled in July 1877 by HRH Princess Mary, Duchess of Teck. A proposal to locate the fountain in central London was declined, and the donor agreed to its placement at Kew Bridge. It was later adopted by the Brentford UDC in 1899. In June 1974, the fountain was relocated to its current position in Southall, at which time the original horse troughs located on the north and south sides were removed. Despite the relocation, it is a largely intact and unusually handsome example of its type, formerly serving as a prominent landmark in Brentford.