Survey Data
Reg No
15322006
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
In Use As
Water pump
Date
1880 - 1900
Coordinates
241310, 237502
Date Recorded
08/09/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c.1890, comprising fluted shaft on molded base with lion's head above, surmounted by fluted capping with acorn finial. Inscription 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Horizontal pull lever now missing. Located in the southwest of the centre of Tyrrellspass adjacent to main road.
Appraisal
An attractive piece of mass produced cast-iron, which remains an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape of Tyrrellspass. This water hydrant is of particular importance as a reminder of the mechanisms installed for the provision of clean drinking water in the period before mains water supply systems. The various raised details enhance the artistic design quality of the piece, and indicate the equal importance of aesthetics as well as functionality. The manufacturers of this piece, Glenfield and Kennedy Ltd, were the major company selling cast-iron water mechanisms within the British Empire at the time. They were based in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and had workshops that spread over 26 acres (c. 1936). Their products were sold internationally, and the company maintained offices in London, as well as Calcutta and Bombay, India.