house or where is it sited within a public park? What is its intended function within the overall design scheme; is the fountain designed for vigorously flowing water as the focal point of civic activity or is it intended for an enclosed quiet space? Is it the major feature or is it one in a chain or hierarchy of features? What is its environment and what is the relationship between the fountain and any surrounding features; how do they affect each other? Does the spray drift from a fountain adversely affect associated materials, is there any indication that particular trees or planting schemes were intended to act as windbreaks? This is not a definitive list; it is a starting point and it should, of course, also be supplemented by a technical report looking at supply, diameter and condition of nozzles as well as strategies for cleaning, repair and replacement.

The restoration of a fountain is a complex exercise drawing on a range of specialist and professional expertise. One of the most effective ways of contacting such a team of experts is through the network established by The Fountain Society,* a voluntary organisation which has just celebrated its tenth anniversary. The Fountain Society is a registered charity with an international membership of just over 500 which exists to conserve historic fountains and to encourage the development of new ones. The Fountain Society does not have a permanent staff and it does not itself offer technical advice but it plays an invaluable role as a co-ordinating body and is able to use its network of contacts to put those who wish to restore or conserve fountains in touch with the relevant professional advice.

The Societyhas aclearpolicyonthe need for a full technical appraisal and conservation and management plan being in place before funds are sought and quotes Hitchman Fountain, Leamington Spa as a case where restorationworkwas rushed andwhere a number of expensive problems developed afterthe completion ofwhat appeared to be a successful restoration. The Society aims to make the year 2000 the Year of the Fountain. By acting as a focal point for technical advice, by promoting the creation of new fountains and by supporting the restoration of historic fountains, many of which are being looked at after years of neglect and deterioration, it seems well placed to achieve its aim.

London SW1 (tel: 0171-222 603 7/2917, fax:

0171-799 2900),

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