Carlton in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
The Exhibition Fountain 1880
Josef Hochgurrel
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026
1. The Exhibition Fountain 1880 Marker
Australia's isolation gave these exhibitions an importance it is difficult for us to imagine today. Not only did they aim to attract and display all that was new and "civilised" in England and Europe, but local elements from the exhibitions then toured overseas to fly the flag of Australia, the farthest of Britain's colonies.
The fountain was designed and built by Josef Hochgurtel. Described in the Australian Sketcher "as expected to be the handsomest structure of its kind in Australia's colonies" it combines the classical allegorical figures of merpeople and innocent children with native flora an fauna.
Notice the reptiles fiercely gripping the lower basin while platypi look down on them from above. Relief panels on the underside of the upper basin describe four areas of knowledge and endeavour proudly on show in the exhibition. They are: The Arts, the Sciences, Commerce and Trade, and Industry.
Erected by City of Melbourne - The Melbourne
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 37° 48.332′ S, 144° 58.282′ E. Marker is in Carlton, Victoria, in Melbourne. It is on Nicholson Street 0.1 kilometers west of Gertrude Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC 3065, Australia. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Oceania, Australasia, the Pacific Ocean, South Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western World, and 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: Pillar of Stone (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Exhibition Building receives Royal Title (about 120 meters away); Exhibition Building Foundation Stone Centenary (about 120 meters away); Exhibition Building Great Hall (about 120 meters away); Royal Exhibition Building Opening Centenary (about 120 meters away); Royal Exhibition Building Handover Centenary
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026
2. The Exhibition Fountain 1880 and Marker in front of the Royal Exhibition Building
Also see . . . Exhibition Fountain 1880. City of Melbourne - City Collection
Location: Carlton Gardens Also known as Hochgurtel Fountain Three colossal figures, half man, half fish support the first ledge. Above this ledge dance four boys hand in hand representing commerce, industry, science and arts, symbolic designs being shown over their heads. Above the dancers is a second ledge which is embellished with flowers and birds indigenous to Victoria. This design is domed by a further ledge surmounted by a boy bearing a basket of fishes on his head. It is constructed from Portland Cement on a frame of stone and iron. The colossal fountain stands some 10 metres high on the south side of the Royal Exhibition Building, outside the Great Hall. It was constructed for the first of Melbournes two grand international world fairs. The fountains visual elements were designed to display the young colonys confidence and advancement, simultaneously signalling the purpose of world fairs to display the produce and industry of nations. At the central level of the fountain, four youths (representing a young and vibrant colony) dance below symbols of the arts, science, commerce and industry; for example, musical instruments, a telescope, sailing ship, steam engine and globe of the world. Above this are images of Victorias indigenous flora and fauna, and a boy with a clamshell. Holding all of this aloft are four merpeople rising up from the waters of the lower pool. Built during Victorias boom years, the fountains spouting water, it was thought, would demonstrate the power and success of the recently established Yan Yean project, which brought potable water to the city. On opening day, however, the pressure was too poor to affect much more than a spurt from the apex of the grand edifice. In 1994, Hochgurtels fountain underwent major restoration. It remains a great reminder of the glorious days of Marvellous Melbourne.(Submitted on June 28, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
