The spectacular Perseus and Andromeda fountain has been restored to full working order, it is reached via a flight of steps from the south parterre.
The theme of the central sculptural group, which was carved from Portland stone by John Forsyth, is the classical myth of Perseus and Andromeda. Perseus having obtained the head of the Medusa with the help of his winged sandals and his helmet of invisibility, flies to the rescue of Andromeda; she has been chained to a rock by the sea god Poseidon, angry at the suggestion that she is more beautiful than the sea nymphs. A sea monster threatens to devour her, but Perseus gets there first and carries her off on the back of the winged horse Pegasus. Rising out of the water to the left and right are two cupids riding dolphins, replicas based on photographs of the lost originals.*
*From the English Heritage guidebook.
excellent spot. i like the fountain. the arches visible in the background of the second image are intriguing
Thank you
Those arches are what is left of the conservatory.
Don’t you just love these fabulous myths from which we get so much of what Life is all about, Cherry!
Yes Ginnie, I think they are great
You could not have framed these two photos of the fountains any better Cherie… good for you!
….peter:)
Thank you, I am glad you like them
It’s a beautiful park and remarkable fountain, thanks for reminding the story.
I am glad you enjoyed the post
Now that is a glorious fountain
It is very spectacular.
Well done on some great photo’s. The light is particularly difficult there….a beautiful fountain
Thanks Chrissy, it was a beautiful day for a visit. One of the sunny days we had this year.
Bears a resemblance to Peterhof.
It does now I have googled it to see.
Splendid fountain. Truly enjoying the Witley Court photos.
Thanks Claude, I am glad you like them. There are still a few to come.
Cherry, sorry for intruding here rather than going back to the previous post but according the the Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2216540/Almost-6-000-buildings-historic-sites-risk-lost-neglect-decay-say-English-Heritage.html it appears that English Heritage are upset that a lot of listed properties are deteriorating.
Most of the comments put the blame in the right place – English Heritage themselves and their rules and regulations on doing anything to listed buildings. In fact I would say that English Heritage are acting very like the bloke with our fort – do it our way or else – rather than being pleased that someone is prepared to look after and restore as necessary with modern modern materials that look like the old ones.
Again, sorry for intruding but the attitude of English Heritage gets my hackles up as a building surveyor, part trained architect and engineer.
Your thoughts are always welcome
Interesting article, thankyou.
I would say that the rules and regs that prevent things being done to listed buildings are due to government legislation. This stops everyone, even a home owner living in a listed building from alterations additions that are not as the original. There are quite a lot of listed properties in my local area and the hoops the homeowners have to go through if they need to make any alterations/repairs is tedious and the alterations/repairs have to be done in a certain way so that they meet approval.
My Dad was a surveyor too. One of the properties he would have loved to own and live in was the ‘old station masters house’. He was very tempted, but it was a listed building and the problems that brought with it were enough to make him change his mind.
Luckily Mr Banks didn’t sell these lovely statutes!
It is quite a surprise that they still remain isn’t it?