1971038
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Archibald Memorial Fountain
Unique IDPC-000003Alternative titleJF Archibald Memorial FountainArchibald FountainCreator/ArchitectArtist: Francois-Leon SicardTypeFountainDescriptionThe Archibald Fountain is located in Hyde Park north in the centre of Birubi Circle. It consists of bronze figures from Greek mythology and animals. In the centre is the god Apollo, who is surrounded by Diana, Pan and the Minotaur. There are also representations dolphins, tortoises, and horses’ heads.
The fountain is named after Jules François Archibald (born John Feltham Archibald 1856-1919), an Australian journalist and publisher who was the owner and editor of The Bulletin. Archibald died in 1919 leaving a bequest in his will for an open air memorial by a French artist to commemorate the the French and Australians who fought together in World War I.
Francois-Leon Sicard (1862–1934) was chosen as the sculptor. He did not visit Sydney but worked with photographs and sketches of the site. After completion in 1926, the fountain was shipped from Paris to Sydney. Originally intended for the Botanic Gardens, it was determined it should be more centrally located, and was incorporated into the plans for the remodelling of Hyde Park.
The fountain was unveiled on 14 March 1932 by Samuel Walder, the Lord Mayor of Sydney. Sicard died in 1935 without seeing his creation in Sydney.
The fountain was conserved in 1996, 2013, and 2022. It has NSW state heritage significance.External linksArchibald Memorial FountainSubject tagsFountainsWaterHeritage statusState heritage register
The fountain is named after Jules François Archibald (born John Feltham Archibald 1856-1919), an Australian journalist and publisher who was the owner and editor of The Bulletin. Archibald died in 1919 leaving a bequest in his will for an open air memorial by a French artist to commemorate the the French and Australians who fought together in World War I.
Francois-Leon Sicard (1862–1934) was chosen as the sculptor. He did not visit Sydney but worked with photographs and sketches of the site. After completion in 1926, the fountain was shipped from Paris to Sydney. Originally intended for the Botanic Gardens, it was determined it should be more centrally located, and was incorporated into the plans for the remodelling of Hyde Park.
The fountain was unveiled on 14 March 1932 by Samuel Walder, the Lord Mayor of Sydney. Sicard died in 1935 without seeing his creation in Sydney.
The fountain was conserved in 1996, 2013, and 2022. It has NSW state heritage significance.External linksArchibald Memorial FountainSubject tagsFountainsWaterHeritage statusState heritage register
Plan
Item
The Archibald Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park illuminated at night, Elizabeth Street Sydney, 1937 (A-00014767)
Key dates and actions
Date opened14th March 1932
Relationships
CollectionHyde Park
Archibald Memorial Fountain [PC-000003]. City of Sydney Archives, accessed 23 Jan 2025, https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/1971038