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Produced and published by the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne
Published July 2008
Published July 2008
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Charles Douglas Richardson
Granite, marble and bluestone drinking fountain
1916
Macarthur Square, Rathdowne Street, Carlton
Born in England, Charles Douglas Richardson arrived in Australia in 1858. He studied first in Melbourne and then in London. Following his return to Australia, Richardson produced many war memorials, as well as the famous Mercury statue for the former Age building in Collins Street.
Richardson sculpted three memorial fountains dedicated to the Ievers family, who donated them to the community in thanks for its support. William Jnr (1881-95) William Snr (1895-1901), and George Hawkins (1901-21) consecutively represented the Smith Ward for a period of 40 years. George Ievers proposed the fountains in 1913 as part of a beautification scheme coordinated by the Parks & Gardens Committee, of which he was a member. At the unveiling of this second monument, Minister Mutchinson claimed: 'the residents of Melbourne should be grateful to the Parks & Gardens Committee for having transformed ugly, vacant spaces into beauty spots and breathing spaces for the city'.