Flora Fountain In 19th Century Bombay, 1891 Print
An 1891 print of Flora Fountain in British era Bombay (Mumbai). This print is from, The Building News, a British publication of June 26, 1891. Flora Fountain is one of Bombay’s iconic landmarks. It was originally named Frere Fountain, by which it is named in this print also. In honor of Sir Bartle Frere, the dynamic Governor of Bombay from 1862 to 1867.
Frere had literally transformed the landscape of the city. He had ordered the demolishing of, Fort George, in 1862 to gain more real estate for the city. In his five years as governor of Bombay City, he did a commendable job. In gratitude, the city erected this fountain after his tenure. However, for some reason, the name Frere Fountain did not stick with the people. Since the statue was known as Flora (Roman Goddess), it was colloquially called Flora Fountain, which stuck to this day.
It was originally proposed to be installed at Victoria Gardens (Jijimata Udyan) in Byculla. But because of a change in plan in 1869, it was placed at Hornby Road. A busy intersection where it stands today. Hornby Road was later renamed as Hutatma Chowk. The page is titled The Frere Fountain Bombay. And includes the names of the architect Richard Norman Shaw., and sculptor JAS Forsyth.
See post Vintage Postcard Mumbai Victoria Gardens 1890. Read more Looking To The Future.
Did you know- one of the three main gates of the Fort- Church Gate-once stood on this site.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s “Birth of Shakuntala” Oleograph of c1894., British Era Steam Locomotive Bangalore-Old Photo., St John’s Hill Road Bangalore – Old Photo 1900., Fort Cochin – Antique Map Plan 1761
