Page 50 - The Tale of Two Fountains

THE TALE OF TWO FOUNTAINS
William Atkinson attended the funeral of Edward Harrison Barwell with the Barwell family mem- bers and this shows his close relationship with his employers.
William Atkinson continued working for Rice & Co. when the foundry was purchased by Mr William Rice on 1st January 1871. Unfortunately, the following year William became ill, suffering from a ner- vous disorder and depression. He returned to Sheffield for a few days for medical treatment, staying with his family, who by then were living at 1 Havelock Street (in the same Broomhall area of the town). He became despondent and downhearted and was troubled by the high volume of work he had on his hands. He was also deeply concerned that he would lose his job. The Rice Foundry of course valued his work and Mr Pain, the Foundry Manager even offered him a month’s leave of absence on full salary to recuperate. However, he decided against this and was willing to work a few hours a day. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated and very sadly, he passed away in tragic circumstances when he was only 51 years of age. He was buried at the Northampton General Cemetery (now known as the Billing Road Cemetery) in Northampton. The Atkinson family lived at Albion Place in the Northampton town centre at the time.
This case was reported in the Northampton Mercury of the 9th November 1872. William’s son, Wil- liam Junior, paid tribute to him and said ”his father was an artist, employed by Messrs. Rice & Co. and for some time had been in a low state of health. William was a family man, the father of eight children, who lived with his family and was beloved by them. He was much respected by his em- ployers too. It was unimaginable that he would commit such a rash act by getting hold of a razor while dressing”. William’s death was also reported in the Sheffield and Rotherham Independent in which he was described as the third son of William Atkinson of Havelock Street.
Today, when you stand in front of the Mumbai fountain and see this masterpiece of art and engi- neering, it remains a testament to the both the designer and 19th century engineering prowess. It is believed that a fountain of this scale and design is the only one of its kind in the world.
Havelock Street, Sheffield where William Atkinson’s family lived
Albion Place, Northampton
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