Page 47 - The Tale of Two Fountains

THE TALE OF TWO FOUNTAINS
CHAPTER 5
WILLIAM ATKINSON (1821–1872) “ARTIST/DESIGNER” OF THE FOUNTAIN
One of the most interesting plaques that we came across when we visited the Abington Park Museum in Northampton to see the remnants of the Market Square fountain, was the cast iron plaque with decorative framing. Engraved on it was “Designed and Manufactured by
Barwell & Co., Northampton, W. Atkinson FECIT” (a latin word meaning ‘he made’). The fountain was not only a fine example of cast iron engineering but it also incorporated some beautifully craft- ed bronze work. This would have required a talented and gifted designer. Our research had indi- cated that William Atkinson was the “Architect” of the fountain employed by Barwell & Co. – the engraving on the plaque was the proof!
We were not clear as to when he started working in the foundry until his great-great-granddaugh- ter, Mrs Judith James, contacted Jona after reading her profile on the BBC Northampton Website. Having looked at his greatest achievement in cast iron engineering and its current restoration in Mumbai, we decided to write this chapter, as very little recognition was given during those times to the designers working at the ironworks. In 2018, once we found out about the restoration project for the Mumbai fountain, our interest in the research gathered pace. Our mission was to find more about the designer.
We have come across William Atkinson’s name in many articles which we have read, though some have unfortunately misprinted his name. Judith’s mother, (great granddaughter of William Atkin- son) Mrs Jane Dix (nee Atkinson) remembered the plaque, with “W. Atkinson” engraved on it, on the Northampton fountain. William’s father was a table-knife manufacturer in Sheffield and this would have been William’s connection with the iron industry in Sheffield.
William was born in Sheffield. The family lived in Wilkinson Street, Broomhall when William was young. Although his father, also William Atkinson (1797–1879) began his career in the knife making trade, he later became the Secretary of the Reform Freehold Land Society in Sheffield. This was a Reforming Society that bought land, divided it up and sold the land in parcels just large enough to give the owner the right to vote. He was a Member of the first Town Council in Sheffield, represent- ing the Ecclesall Ward1.
He was also the Secretary of the Sunday School Union in Sheffield and belonged to the Baptist Church. He was a Deacon at Townhead Street Chapel in Sheffield for many years where the well- known Baptist Missionary, Eustace Carey preached on two occasions and was his guest. We there- fore assume that William Junior must have met Eustace Carey. This throws light on William’s father’s involvement in religious and social causes.
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