Dalton fountain going with the flow

After a twelve month restoration project in Sydney, the historic James Dalton fountain has returned to its pride of place in the centre of Cook Park.

The fountain, given to the community of Orange by local businessman James Dalton in 1891, was sent to Sydney in May last year for a major refurbishment.

A number of the water jets were blocked and the definition of the cast iron fountain had begun to be blurred by many layers of paint.

Orange City Council’s Manager of Corporate and Community Relations Nick Redmond said the Sydney firm, International Conservation Services, "has done a terrific job" sand-blasting the old paint away.

"They’ve given the fountain a brilliant new sheen, and revealed the intricate detail of the original casting," he said.

"The internal plumbing has also been completely re-built. This fountain has been a landmark in Cook Park for more than a century and the $80,000 it’s cost for this work to be done has been well worth it."

The restored fountain was trucked to the site and was gently lifted by crane into position on the original pedestal, next to the rotunda in Cook Park.

In the coming days, there’ll be some further restoration to the pedestal to ease future access. The fountain pool will also be re-painted.

A representative from ICS was there with council staff as the new fountain was connected and tested for the first time.

"They were delighted to see water shooting from the rose at the top of the fountain as well as from the other jets," Mr Redmond said.

"We’ll be waiting on some clear skies before the painting can happen.

"An exhibition on the life of James Dalton is being prepared for the later in the year, which will go on-show in the Blowes conservatory."

JOB WELL DONE: Overseeing the re-installation of the Dalton Fountain in Cook Park today (6 June) are Nick Flood, (International Conservation Services) with Doug Richards and Conor Cullinane from Bondi Stone