Temperance Fountain in Clapham, London

myminifactory

This is a low-resolution bronze topping of a temperance fountain in Clapham Park, London created and erected in 1884. On the base of the fountain lies a plaque that reads, "The gift to the United Kingdom Temperance and General Provident Institution." A temperance fountain was set up by private benefactors to encourage people not to drink beer by providing safe and free water, making it an attractive alternative to muddied drinking water. Drinking fountains were especially appealing in areas where tea and coffee were too expensive for many Americans to afford after the Civil War. In the United Kingdom, temperance groups built public drinking fountains throughout the country, with the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association in London receiving support from temperance advocates. Many of these fountains were sited opposite public houses to encourage people not to drink alcohol. The evangelical movement also built fountains in churchyards to promote churches as supporting the poor. By 1877, the association was widely accepted, with Queen Victoria donating money for a fountain in Esher. Fountains within London and outside were often called temperance fountains or featured representations of the Greek mythical figure Temperance. This object is part of Scan The World, a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory that aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access.