Public Art Commissions
Spa Water fountain by Celia Kilner

Spa Water Fountain by Celia Kilner

In 2000 Warwick District Council commissioned a water feature by Celia Kilner. This provides free spa water and is positioned close to the site of the spa water spring found in 1810 and on the site of a previous water fountain which had deteriorated beyond repair.

The new fountain is of sandstone from the Woodkirk quarry, south of Leeds, not far from the artist’s studio in Holmfirth. It was selected by her because it is a fine stone which is pleasing to carve. Kilner says:

"It has been an enjoyable and challenging commission. I started with a four ton stone cut directly out the quarry, where I spent four weeks in an open shed, in the wettest autumn I can remember, carving the stone and cutting the inscriptions. I cut away nearly a ton of stone, which was hard work but - now I have seen the finished job - very worthwhile."

The stone, incorporating a tap for dispensing of the spa water, is carved with leaves and quotations from a poem by Thomas Dekker and the writings of William Morris. 

Celia Kilner, who specialises in stone carving and calligraphy, won the commission for the fountain against strong national competition.

The quality of the water is regularly checked and is occasionally unavailable.