Survey Data
Reg No
40836012
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
Date
1900 - 1930
Coordinates
173548, 390663
Date Recorded
17/11/2010
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c. 1915, comprising fluted shaft on moulded base surmounted by fluted domed capping with acorn finial over, and having lion's head motif to spout. Pull lever to side now missing. Set on footpath on sloping site to the north of the centre of Ardara. Drain adjacent to the east.
Appraisal
An attractive piece of mass-produced cast-iron, which is an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape adjacent to the north of the centre of Ardara. This particular example is notable due to its excellent preservation. This water hydrant is of particular importance as a reminder of the mechanisms installed for the supply of clean drinking water in the period before mains water supply systems. The various fluted details, and the moulded lion's head motif in particular, enhances the artistic design quality of the piece, and indicates the equal importance of aesthetics as well as functionality. This lion's head motif may be a reference to the British Empire. Although the foundry mark to the front is now obscured, the style of this water hydrant suggests that it was made at the Glenfield and Kennedy Ltd. Foundry in Scotland, which was the major company producing and selling cast-iron water mechanisms within the British Empire during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. This simple item of street furniture makes a positive contribution to the streetscape of Ardara, and is an integral element of the built heritage and social history of the local area.