Project overview.
Bullen Conservation was appointed to restore the iconic Bartholomew’s Fountain at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, a historic institution providing healthcare in London for nearly 900 years. Situated at the heart of the hospital’s grand heritage site, the 1959 Portland limestone fountain, featuring cloaked cherubs, a shell bowl, and a four-headed dolphin urn, has long symbolised the hospital and its alumni, including The Fountain Club.
The Fountain Club approached Bullen Conservation and following a series of successful meetings, we were commissioned to carry out the prestigious conservation and repair work.
Our objective was to restore the fountain by carefully indenting new stone sections to replicate the ornate, damaged, or missing elements.
With approval from heritage bodies, the fountain was meticulously dismantled and transported to our workshop, where our skilled banker masons hand-carved decorative replacement sections over a four-month period. These were then seamlessly integrated with the existing structure.
Once complete, all components were returned to the site and reassembled using traditional techniques with hydraulic lime mortar. Additional work included masonry cleaning, repointing, and localized repairs to the circular outer pool walls. After completing the pool lining, the fountain was fully commissioned and restored to working order for public enjoyment, preserving its legacy for future generations.
The project was delivered within a tight schedule in a live, busy hospital environment, where health & safety and careful coordination were paramount.
