Adam G Designed by sculptor John Hochgurtel, the historic (Josef) Hochgurtel Fountain, also known as the Exhibition Fountain was commissioned in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880–81. Standing at ten metres tall, on the south side of the Royal Exhibition Building, outside the Great Hall, the colossal fountain has characteristics of Victorian-era architecture.
The base of the fountain is a large circular pool and on a rockey island rising up from the water in the centre of the pool are four fish-tailed merpeople, both male and female, naked children, and goannas, platypus and ferns. With arms stretched above them, the four merpeople are holding up a large dish. At the centre of this dish stand four naked youthful figures dancing about a central column and with arms joined together representing a young and vibrant colony that Victoria was at the time. Above them is a smaller dish and symbolising the objective of world fairs, the underside of this dish features symbols of the arts, industry, commerce and science; for example, musical instruments, a steam engine, sailing ship, telescope, surveying implements and a globe of the world. At the next level is yet a smaller disk the underside of which is adorned with images of Victorias indigenous flora and fauna. A naked boy stands in the centre of this top dish holding a clamshell above his head. The whole structure is beautifully enhanced by atmospheric sprays of crystal clear water which shoot out from the fountain.
The historic Hochgurtel Fountain is the largest and most elaborate fountain in Australia. Its a real treasure and one of the landmark features of the Carlton Gardens in Melbourne, and a centrepiece in front of the south facade of the Royal Exhibition Building. While the fountain itself makes a grand overall impression, I also love the smaller details.
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