East Melbourne in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Stanford Fountain
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe
1. Stanford Fountain Marker
Stanford Fountain (1867-1870)
William Stanford
William Stanford immigrated to Victoria to try his luck in the gold fields. However, in 1854 he was convicted of horse stealing and spent the next 16 years in and out of jail including two years hard labour in irons for escaping.
William Stanford discovered his artistic talents in prison. He began carving this fountain in 1867 from bluestone, which was freely available in the prison quarry. Legend has it the prison Governor's son posed for the boy on the top of the fountain.
City of Melbourne
William Stanford was released in 1870. He became a respected citizen and a successful monumental mason.
Erected by City of Melbourne.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 37° 48.745′ S, 144° 58.434′ E. Marker is in East Melbourne, Victoria, in Melbourne. It is on Spring Street 0.1 kilometers east of Little Collins Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
this page online
Regionally, it is in Oceania, in Australasia, in the Pacific Ocean, in South Pacific, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Adam Lindsay Gordon 1932 (a few steps from this marker); Charles George Gordon (within shouting distance of this marker); Scotch College (within shouting distance of this marker); Coaxial Cable - Sydney to Melbourne (within shouting distance of this marker); Alcaston House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Windsor Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Treasury Building (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Victorian Houses of Parliament (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Melbourne.
Also see . . . William Walter Tyrell Stanford (1839–1880) - Australian Dictionary of Biography. Excerpt:
In his prison notebook, filled with sketches and notes in exquisite handwriting,(Submitted on May 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)Stanford copied the motto: 'I will either find my way or make it' and he showed determination in making it against great odds. He became a difficult, intransigent prisoner, his behaviour and an escape in November 1861 alienating the prison authorities; but the chaplain discovered by chance Stanford's great talent in carving and persuaded the prison governor to allow him tools and facilities. With his behaviour transformed, he found that 'the work has engrossed the whole of my time … so that the injustice of my convictions has weighed but lightly upon me'. Charles Summers tutored him in basic principles of design, and amongst other works Stanford planned and executed the graceful bluestone fountain now standing near Parliament House, Melbourne. A petition for his release was rejected in 1869 but the new gaol governor Claude Farie became convinced that Stanford was the victim of injustice. He promised him freedom once the fountain was finished and public pressure, including Dr L. L. Smith's, forced the government to grant it.Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 5, 20262. The Marker in front of Stanford Fountain
Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
