Mumbai Financial District, The Frere 'Flora' fountain. 1871
28.01.1871
The Builder reports “ The Frere Fountain – This important work, which is the largest of its kind in India, has lately been erected by the municipality of Bombay as a testimonial of the esteem in which their late Governor, Sir Bartle Frere, is regarded by that presidency. The idea was originated by a native gentleman, Mr Cursetjee Furdanjee, who gave a liberal donation towards its erection. The height of the fountain measured from the water-line, is about 35 ft, and it stands in a large basin, 100 ft in diameter, surrounded by an ornamental railing, having lamps at intervals. The material is Portland stone, excepting the columns at the base, which are red and grey granites. The four sitting figures are considerably over life-size,and are representations of four of the leading products of India, while that on top is a representation of Flora. In addition to these there is also a series of four dolphins, from which are discharged fan-like jets of water into shells; the waste water then escapes through the serrations of the shells into basins below,and is further utilized for the supply of jets lower down. In addition to the figures and ornamental sculpture, the fountain is further enriched by bronze heads of lions and panthers. From these heads are discharged jets of water, which fall into the large outer basin. All these jets, however, are subordinate to that in the centre ; this wells up like a natural spring, the sound of which must be refreshing in a hot climate like Bombay. The execution of this fountain has cost about £4,000, exclusive of foundations, large outer basin, waterworks, ornamental railing, lamps, freight, and fixing, was entrusted to Mr. Forsyth, of London, who was already known for his works in this department of art, and who, with the friendly co-operation of Mr. R. Norman Shaw, architect, has carried it out in a successful manner. The site chosen for its erection is the Esplanade, the most salient and central position of the European quarter of the city. “
The photos were taken in November 2025 by Lucy Kelsall-Knight, a friend of my wife, whom I want to thank profusely for going to the trouble of taking these for me whilst on business in Mumbai.
The Builder reports “ The Frere Fountain – This important work, which is the largest of its kind in India, has lately been erected by the municipality of Bombay as a testimonial of the esteem in which their late Governor, Sir Bartle Frere, is regarded by that presidency. The idea was originated by a native gentleman, Mr Cursetjee Furdanjee, who gave a liberal donation towards its erection. The height of the fountain measured from the water-line, is about 35 ft, and it stands in a large basin, 100 ft in diameter, surrounded by an ornamental railing, having lamps at intervals. The material is Portland stone, excepting the columns at the base, which are red and grey granites. The four sitting figures are considerably over life-size,and are representations of four of the leading products of India, while that on top is a representation of Flora. In addition to these there is also a series of four dolphins, from which are discharged fan-like jets of water into shells; the waste water then escapes through the serrations of the shells into basins below,and is further utilized for the supply of jets lower down. In addition to the figures and ornamental sculpture, the fountain is further enriched by bronze heads of lions and panthers. From these heads are discharged jets of water, which fall into the large outer basin. All these jets, however, are subordinate to that in the centre ; this wells up like a natural spring, the sound of which must be refreshing in a hot climate like Bombay. The execution of this fountain has cost about £4,000, exclusive of foundations, large outer basin, waterworks, ornamental railing, lamps, freight, and fixing, was entrusted to Mr. Forsyth, of London, who was already known for his works in this department of art, and who, with the friendly co-operation of Mr. R. Norman Shaw, architect, has carried it out in a successful manner. The site chosen for its erection is the Esplanade, the most salient and central position of the European quarter of the city. “
The photos were taken in November 2025 by Lucy Kelsall-Knight, a friend of my wife, whom I want to thank profusely for going to the trouble of taking these for me whilst on business in Mumbai.
