Tobermory’s waterfront features painted buildings, fishing boats, and postcard views. Yet tucked against the harbour railings on Main Street stands a lesser-known landmark that marks a turning point in the town’s civic history. In 1883, engineer Robert Strathern gifted a Cherub Fountain to Tobermory to commemorate the arrival of piped water. This cast iron structure reflects the town’s transition into modern infrastructure and its commitment to public health.
Strathern’s Civic Contribution
Robert Strathern oversaw the installation of Tobermory’s waterworks. To mark the completion of the project, he donated the fountain as a public amenity. The inscription on the cherub’s paddle reads:
“Presented To The Burgh Of Tobermory By R. Strathern 1883.“
This gesture went beyond decoration. It acknowledged the significance of clean water and celebrated the town’s progress.
Manufactured by Sun Foundry, Glasgow
Sun Foundry, based in Glasgow, produced the fountain using cast iron. The structure stands approximately five feet tall. It rests on an octagonal base and features a fluted pedestal supporting a wide basin. At the top, a figure known as “Boy with Paddle and Urn” completes the design. The foundry listed this model as Pattern Number Eight in its catalogue.
Originally, water flowed from the urn, and a metal cup hung from a chain for public use. A small trough at the base provided water for dogs. These features reflected Victorian attention to both human and animal welfare. The Sun Foundry stamp remains visible on the base, confirming the fountain’s origin.
Placement and Visibility
The fountain is positioned directly against the harbour fence on Main Street. It sits on a narrow strip of pavement beside the waterfront. Its location is fixed close to the railings, and the structure remains in its original cast iron form.
Historical Context
During the nineteenth century, public drinking fountains became common across Britain. Civic leaders and philanthropists funded these installations to improve sanitation and provide clean water. Tobermory’s fountain fits this pattern. It served a practical purpose while also enhancing the town’s streetscape.
Cast iron allowed manufacturers to create detailed designs at relatively low cost. Foundries like Sun Foundry distributed catalogues offering standardised models, which enabled towns to install functional yet decorative features. Tobermory selected a design that balanced utility with visual appeal.
A Surviving Piece of Tobermory’s Heritage
Today, the Cherub Fountain remains part of Tobermory’s streetscape. It reflects the town’s investment in public infrastructure and its appreciation for civic craftsmanship. Although modest in scale, the fountain offers a direct link to the town’s past and the individuals who shaped its development.
Visitors who pause to examine the fountain will find more than ironwork. They will encounter a story of progress, generosity, and Victorian ideals that continue to echo along the harbour.
