Doulton Fountain, Glasgow

Rising from the heart of Glasgow Green, the Doulton Fountain is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and the largest terracotta fountain in the world. Completed in 1888, it was originally commissioned by Sir Henry Doulton, the English pottery manufacturer, as a gift to the people of Glasgow to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Designed by architect Arthur Edward Pearce, the fountain is an exuberant celebration of Victorian artistry, blending ornate detail with monumental scale. Its warm red terracotta, richly adorned with sculptural figures, stands out against the park’s greenery and immediately draws the eye.

The fountain is both decorative and symbolic. Rising over 14 metres high, it is crowned by a statue of Queen Victoria, beneath which are tiers of basins adorned with cherubs, mythological figures, and elaborate floral motifs. Around its base, four striking groups of statues represent the corners of the British Empire at the time-South Africa, India, Canada, and Australia-illustrating Glasgow’s connections to global trade and imperial expansion.

Over the years, the fountain endured weather damage and neglect, but a major restoration completed in 2008 brought it back to life. The structure was cleaned, repaired, and carefully moved to a more prominent position on Glasgow Green, where its cascades now flow once more. At night, the fountain is beautifully illuminated, creating a dramatic centrepiece that celebrates the city’s industrial past while offering a tranquil spot for modern visitors.