Nuffield College

Renovation of an historic water feature within a courtyard at Nuffield College, University of Oxford consisting of a 4 metre square pool with a central artistic sculpture and spraying jets, three per sculpture element.

Over the years, the feature had been added to and modified, but it had gradually fallen into disrepair. The College wanted to restore it to a contemporary level once more as part of extensive landscaping projects going on nearby.

As part of the renovation, four LED spotlights illuminate the underside of the sculpture. The base of the feature has been raised to form a sump to discretely house the display pump, new supply pipework and cabling. An overflow and automatic water top-up has been incorporated and a complete water treatment system in line with current requirements and guidelines installed within the basement of the nearby building.

The water feature is a refurbishment of a Grade 2 listed structure which is dedicated to the memory of those in service who gave their lives in the Great War 1914 – 1918.

A large fountain raised in the centre of an ornamental pond, with a number of sculpted figures. The central figure represents sacrifice; the dead youth at her feet and the inverted torch are emblematic of the sacrifice made by humanity in the Great War. At the corners of the fountain are cherubs holding dolphins.

There are raised pools at the foot of the central figure each with one ‘Vulcan’ jet.

The central figure is also illuminated via 4 warm white multi LED fountain lights.