Our  iconic 19th century Atlas Fountain has had a spring clean, with the build up of algae and moss being carefully removed to reveal the intricately carved Portland stone in all its glory.

When the fountain is off visitors can now admire the detailed carving of Atlas’ muscular physique, curled hair and steady hands holding the globe aloft – a triumph in stone-masonry and a testament to the skill of John Thomas, who originally carved the stone.
 
Carl Bradford, Head of Building Services at Castle Howard, comments: ‘As one of the most striking features in Castle Howard’s landscape, it is important the Atlas Fountain is looking its best. As well as giving it a thorough clean the team are also doing a few repairs to split lead work and re-pointing joints to prevent leaks; we hope to have Atlas up and running again for the May Day weekend.’

Installed in the gardens as part of landscape gardener William Nesfield’s designs, the fountain was first turned on in October 1853 as the focal point which now lies at the heart of the south parterre among the neatly clipped yew hedges.

The fountain is fed from the reservoir at the top of the hill in Ray Wood, around 70 feet above the south parterre. The water falls downhill through two sets of cast-iron pipes creating enough gravitational force to power the four jets of water which are blown through tritons’ shells to cool the hard-working Atlas who bears the weight of the world on his shoulders. Other jets fill the lower scallop shell basins, which overflow into the central basin producing a dramatic cascade of white water.