By Lost historic Grimsby fountain found
A historic water fountain that has been lost for decades has been found and will go on display in an exciting exhibition.
Originally placed in Albert Garden, the drinking fountain was donated by the then Mayor Edward Bannister in 1869 to the people of Grimsby.
It was listed as Grade II in June 1999 before being delisted in November the same year.
Described as “Grimsby’s Grand Old Man”, Edward Bannister aided Grimsby and Cleethorpes in many vital ways such as founding the Grimsby Nursing association and helping to build Cleethorpes Pier.
He was also one of the original guarantors for the Grimsby district hospital, established the school of Art, chair of the mechanic’s institute later helping it become Grimsby first public library, chair of the fund for deep sea fishermen and chair of lifeboat committee.
The Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society launched a petition to bring the fountain back into public view to honour all of Mr Bannisters hard work for the borough.
Working with the Grimsby-based Turntable Gallery, a new exhibition will display the fountain and its history for all locals to see.
Speaking about their plans the gallery owners said: “The fountain has been knocked about and poorly treated since being removed from St James square. It eventually ended up in a reclamation yard near Louth. Luckily, the owner realised its worth and importance, and so bought it in order to prevent further damage.
“We’ve lost so much public art from Grimsby, and we’re spearheading a drawing back, of these amazing pieces. So, the exhibition will be part art, part history, and will put peoples experiences of the piece and the story of Edward Bannister at the heart of it.
“This show is the first step in the culmination of a 10 year journey, which sought to return the fountainhead. As part of the process, it will be being assessed by Lost Art and then an action plan can be made for a case for its restoration.
“The Turntable are working closely with the civic society on this, and hope to drive the relationship forward with the aim of regenerating our town through art, and the re-examining our town with fresh eyes.”
Starting 19 November the exhibition will run at the Turntable Gallery until December 17.
(Image: Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society)
