Mooney Memorial Fountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mooney Memorial Fountain |
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Mooney Memorial Fountain, 2019
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| Location | 118 Eagle Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1878 - 1880 |
| Architect | William Holloway Chambers |
| Official name: Eagle Street Fountain, Mooney Memorial Fountain | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600087 |
| Significant period | 1878- (social) 1878-1880 (fabric) |
| Significant components | memorial - drinking fountain, tree |
| Sculptor | William Webster |
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The Mooney Memorial Fountain is a special historical monument in Brisbane, Australia. It is located at 118 Eagle Street in Brisbane City. This beautiful fountain was designed by William Holloway Chambers and built between 1878 and 1880. It is also known as the Eagle Street Fountain. It was officially added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992 because of its historical and architectural importance.
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History of the Fountain
This fountain was built between 1878 and 1880. It was designed by the City Engineer, William Holloway Chambers. Building it cost about £627. The fountain was part of a plan to make that area of the city look nicer.
The Brisbane Municipal Council (the local government) and public donations helped pay for the fountain. It was made using local stone called porphyry (also known as Brisbane tuff). It also used Murphys Creek sandstone and imported granite and marble.
The names of the local leaders (Aldermen) from the 1879 Brisbane Town Council were carved on the fountain. The City Engineer, the Town Clerk, and the sculptor, William Webster, also had their names added.
Why it's Called Mooney Memorial Fountain
The fountain became known as the Mooney Memorial Fountain. This happened because people donated money for a memorial to James Mooney. He was a volunteer fireman who sadly died while fighting a fire. This fire happened in Queen Street in March 1877.
However, the official memorial for James Mooney was actually placed on his grave. It is located at Toowong Cemetery. His friends and fellow firefighters raised money for that memorial.
When the Eagle Street fountain was repaired in 1988, a special plaque was added. This plaque honors James Mooney and other firemen who have died while doing their job.
What the Fountain Looks Like
This fancy drinking fountain stands on a triangular piece of land. It is where Queen and Eagle Streets meet. The base and steps are about 3.9 meters (12.8 feet) square. They are made of porphyry stone. The main part of the base is 2.1 meters (6.9 feet) square and made of granite from Mount Alexander in Victoria.
The fountain has four corner pillars on its granite base. These pillars have detailed tops and raised stands. Four Gothic-style arches sit on top of these pillars. They support a decorated and ribbed spire. The spire was once topped with a fancy decoration. It rises about 10 meters (32.8 feet) above the ground.
The area between the pillars and below the arches is made of sandstone blocks. This is where the special plaques are placed. There are three lion heads above decorative basins. These are all made of white marble from Sicily. They are located on three sides of the fountain's base. Water used to flow from the lions' mouths. The water supply was easy to control by removing a single stone.
The fountain used to be the most noticeable thing at the Eagle Street corner. But now, tall modern buildings nearby make it look smaller. Still, a large fig tree close by helps it remain an important landmark.
Why the Fountain is Important
The Eagle Street Fountain is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is considered very important to Queensland's history and culture. It was added to the register on 21 October 1992.
The fountain is a great example of a public monument from the Victorian era. It shows careful and detailed design. It also uses fine materials and excellent craftsmanship.
Because it is located at the meeting point of Queen and Eagle Streets, the Eagle Street Fountain is a well-known landmark.
The fountain is also important because of its connection to James Mooney. He was a volunteer fireman who lost his life fighting a fire in Queen Street in March 1877.
