Archibald Fountain

We are spending a few days being tourists in Sydney. The art deco Archibald Fountain is a popular landmark and meeting point in Hyde Park. It’s named for JF Archibald, co-founder and editor of The Bulletin, which has had great influence over political, social and literary affairs since it was founded in 1880.

Archibald bequeathed the funds for a fountain when he died in 1919. He stipulated that the designer must be French and the fountain was built by the sculptor Francois-Leon Sicard. Archibald was a francofile, and he intended the fountain to commemorate the relationship between Australia and France in World War I. Christened John Feltham, Archibald adopted the name Jules-Francois. As well as the fountain Archibald gave us the prestigious portraiture prize, the Archibald prize.

In the background is Saint Marys Catholic Cathedral.