A local conservation group have said they are “very sad” to see the damage to the historic RSPCA fountain on Richmond Hill, after a car crashed into it.
The Collcutt Cattle Fountain, a 19th-century Grade II listed structure, is one of a few remaining examples of the work by Victorian architect T.E.Collcutt, who was also responsible for the tower of the Imperial Institute in South Kensington.
“We were very sad to see that the RSPCA fountain had been damaged overnight 1st/2nd October, not least because the Richmond Society has raised funds twice in the last 30 years for restoration works to the structure,” said The Richmond Society’s Nicky Wood, who sits on the group’s Landscape & Riverside Committee.
While the incident occurred in October, photographs showing the extent of the damage have only recently circulated online.
The fountain was commissioned to commemorate the work of the local branch of the RSPCA. A design was published in 1891 for a decorative fountain and drinking trough for cattle and horses at the top of Richmond Hill. Collcutt also included a drinking trough for dogs, at ground level.
Images: A close-up of the damaged structure, the fountain as seen in better times (Credit: Google Maps)
Richmond Council liasing with RSCPA over repair work of “much-loved listed monument.”
The Kingston Courier understands police attended the scene after the crash, but no further information has been made available.
Restoration work on the fountain is jointly funded by the Richmond Society’s Landscaping Fund, London Square, LB Richmond’s Civic Pride Fund and The London Community Foundation’s Richmond Civic Trust Fund.
Nicky Wood added that the RSPCA is liaising with the Council’s Conservation Officer over repair work to this “much-loved listed monument.”
Richmond Council did not respond to a request for comment about the repair works.
