Public Art in Central Christchurch

Bowker Fountain

In 1921 Henry Layton Bowker an early settler of Christchurch, died leaving the citizens of Christchurch £1,000 for the "erection of a fountain or statuary in front of the proposed Christchurch Town Hall..."¹ In his life Bowker (1840-1921) had a prominent view of Victoria Square from his grocery shop and later his offices that were situated on Colombo Street. Because of his fondness for this view Bowker supported the proposal to site the Town Hall on Oxford Tce and hoped that his bequest would sit in front of it.

It took ten years for the Council to erect a fountain in Victoria Square with the money from the Bowker bequest. When the Bowker fountain was first installed it was New Zealand's only electric fountain, and one of only sixty three internationally. America was home to forty one of these while England had only one.²

The fountain consists of a central jet surrounded by three spray jets enclosed by a ring of spray. The pattern of jets is altered by a timing sequence. At night the water spray is emphasised by a variety of colours achieved through concealed lights. However the completion of the Christcurch Town Hall complex in 1972 placed the Bowker fountain at the rear of the Town Hall contrary to Bowker's request of a frontal placement.

¹ Bowker Esq, Will and Probate, 12 Oct, 1915

²The Press, 27 February, 1931. p15

View Bowker Fountain PDF to Print