Ararat Memorial Fountain restoration work progressing

Work is progressing on the Ararat Memorial Fountain restoration, with modelling work to reinstate the fountain’s features currently underway.

Art conservator Andrew Thorn of Artcare was on site this week with team member Ben Collie to create models of features that have been damaged or are missing, such as water bowls, dolphins, masks and wings from the cherubs. Photogrammetry from a replica fountain in Hamilton has taken place to help with this process.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said inclement weather meant the modelling work had to be put on hold as it was not possible to do this when it was raining.

Dr Harrison said the restoration work was intricate and complex, which meant conservators had to be careful and precise when working on the fountain.

Work on the water feature in coming weeks will include restoring the missing and broken pieces, pressure cleaning the structure, and painting it in its original colour. The community will notice scaffolding around the structure when this work begins.

“Council is really looking forward to seeing the fountain restored and back to its former glory, and we know the community is excited to see the finished result too,” Dr Harrison said.

“The work requires careful heritage conservation methods, which are quite complex and intricate, so the people working on site are taking their time to ensure it is done correctly.”

Dr Harrison said the work has been made possible with funding from the Australian Government Building Better Regions Fund and Ararat Rural City Council, and a generous donation from Ararat Community Enterprise.

Photo above - Ben Collie, from art conservator Artcare, modelling one of the missing water bowls from the fountain this week.