FOUNTAIN CONSERVATION | HISTORIC ESTATE
The South Fountain, which was created in circa 1720, is located at the South Terrace within the grounds of Waddesdon Manor, owned by the National Trust. It comprises nine marble individual sculptural elements grouped together, including one large central figure of Proserpina and Pluto, flanked by an infant triton riding a hippocampus and three smaller independent nereids grouped at the front with three at the back.
A survey of the South Fountain in 2023 carried out by Cliveden Conservation highlighted failures in historic repairs, movement of sculptural elements, open joints, fissures and that several of the figures were missing extremities.
In 2025, Cliveden Conservation was invited back by the Rothschild Foundation to stabilise the sculptures and help prevent any accelerated deterioration.
Conservation Treatment
Treatment of the South Fountain started with a light clean to remove areas of biological soiling and allow conservators to thoroughly assess the condition of the surface.
All of the sculptural elements that required stabilising were carefully removed by the conservation team and cleaned of failed adhesive and insufficient dowels.
Each element was then reinstated using marine-grade stainless steel threaded dowels and adhered using conservation-grade resins. Marble fragments and lost appendages that had been collected over time by the house staff were reattached using the same method.
Open joints and ineffective mortar repairs were carefully raked out and replaced using lime-based mortar mixes. The mortar mixes were similar to those developed by Cliveden Conservation for use on the North Fountain as these proved to be both a good colour match and able to withstand the challenging environment. Finally, any sculptural metalwork that was showing signs of corrosion was treated and repainted to match the stone.
Results
The programme of works enhanced the overall appearance of the South Fountain and successfully stabilised its condition. Despite the challenging environment, the work was completed by Cliveden Conservation within the agreed deadline and on budget.
Project details
Client:
Waddesdon Manor
Specialist Contractor
Cliveden Conservation
Category:
Decorative arts
What we did
The South Fountain at Waddesdon Manor before conservation treatment.
Sculptural element before conservation work.
Conservator carrying out stabilisation works.
Infant triton riding a hippocampus after conservation treatment.
Central group of Proserpina and Pluto after conservation treatment.
The South Fountain at Waddesdon Manor after conservation treatment.
