Pollet Fountain, 1861
Drinking fountains. From The Star of July 16. The Pollet fountain was moved farther North to make way for the new States Offices, now used as an Information Centre.
A drinking fountain had just been erected, by order of the Committee, in the plantation and abutting the foot-path of the Pollet-street division of the harbour-works. It consists of a square shaft of dark blue Guernsey granite, deeply panelled, standing on a plinth of the same material, and surmounted with a moulded cornice and cap, the entire height being 11 feet and weight 5 2/3 tons. The design, which is by Mr Lyster, engineer to the harbour, is of the simplest character, as being best suited to the dark colour and adamantine properties of the material. It has been prepared by Mr H Bisson, of the Vale, and does infinite credit to his skill as a stone dresser. The water, which will be supplied from the cistern in Havelet-road, is to be ejected from the mouth of a good-looking animal of the lion tribe, which, with the brackets, cups and dog-basin, are of gun metal, bronzed, and richly ornamented with leaves and floral devices; the highly decorative character of these gems materially enhancing the massive beauty of the stonework. It has, we understand, been suggested by Mr Lyster that a fountain of similar design, but of red granite, be placed near the town church; and that one of blue granite be placed at the south division of the harbour-works. Should this arrangement be carried out it will add to the general effect and harmony of the whole.
The Library's Carel Toms Collection contains great deal of material on the island's water fountains and pumps. Please ask for further information.