Architectural Plans for the Front of the Richmond Fountain

TITLE	Architectural Plans for the Front of the Richmond Fountain
CREATORS	Ware, William R. (William Robert), 1832-1915 Van Brunt, Henry, 1832-1903
DATE	1873
DIMENSIONS	24 x 17 in.
ORIGINAL FORMAT	Architectural drawing
MEDIUM	Ink and watercolor on paper
PHYSICAL NOTE	Three architectural drawings for the construction of the Richmond Fountain including the front elevation, plan and section
DONOR	Anna Richmond
DATE OF ACCESSION	1873
LOCATION	Providence Athenæum: Philbrick Rare Book Room

This architectural drawing depicts the plans for the front-facing side of the Athenæum’s Richmond Fountain. In 1873, Athenæum member Anna Richmond donated $300 to build a drinking fountain outside the library on Benefit Street, with a further $300 for its upkeep.

The fountain was designed by the Boston-based architectural firm Ware and Van Brunt, most well known for designing First Church in Boston, MA. Made of granite and designed in the Gothic style, the fountain reads “Come Hither Every One That Thirsteth”; while the fountain quickly became known as “The Richmond Fountain” once the donor was revealed, Anna chose not to emblazon it with her own name as was customary. The fountain was connected to the Pawtuxet River water supply, and people often said that all who drank from the fountain were destined to return to Providence.

Lancaster, Jane. Inquire Within: A Social History of the Providence Athenæum Since 1753. Providence Athenæum, 2003, pp. 90-92, 147, 151.

Annual Report of the Directors of the Providence Athenæum to the Proprietors. Providence, Providence Athenæum, 1873, pp. 10-12.

The Providence Athenæum

Digital Art Collection

Architectural Plans for the Front of the Richmond Fountain

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