End is Nigh for the Shelley Fountain

19 April 2016 14:18 PM

Horsham`s Rising Universe, the action water sculpture known as the Shelley Fountain, faces the axe at Horsham District Council`s meeting on the 27th of April.

The controversial artwork by Angela Conner, whose works adorn public places worldwide, has become too expensive to maintain, councillors will be told. Since it was unveiled in November 1996 by socialist writer Paul Foot to commemorate the bicentenary of the radical poet`s birth near Horsham, it has cost the council £200,000 in repairs and maintenance and the current economic climate has spelt its death knell.

The proposal is to retain the basin, into which 6½ tons of water cascaded every five minutes in the fountain`s hay day, as part of £40,000 landscaping feature in the Bishopric.

Opposition to the plan is likely to be muted. A spokesman for The Horsham Society said: “Whilst there is no doubt that it was controversial and polarised views, it was held in great affection by very many residents and visitors to the town.

"Few can forget the delight on the faces of children in particular as the tension mounted before tons of water cascaded into the basin. It brought colour and life to this corner of the town, and it was iconic as the face of Horsham nightly on our television screens.

"Nevertheless, we acknowledge the long history of maintenance problems and understand, and support, the proposal now to remove it. Let us remember it fondly for the enjoyment it gave in earlier years.”

Frances Haigh, Chair, Horsham Blueprint Neighbourhood Forum added:

"Of all the comments we have ever received from the public, the Shelley Fountain has been one of the most popular topics. We celebrate its unique contribution to Horsham for the last twenty years.

"Many people will remember it fondly from the excitement of watching it in action as a child. However, it is very much a "marmite" feature and there are equally strong feelings against it.

"As a large, moving sculpture it continues to be very expensive to maintain. We agree that it has had its day and we look forward to working with Horsham District Council on a new scheme for this important public space within our town centre."

Picture © copyright Elliott Simpson: Rising Universe (Shelley Fountain).

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