Survey Data
Reg No
40849010
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Social, Technical
Original Use
Water pump
In Use As
Water pump
Date
1890 - 1930
Coordinates
191947, 369943
Date Recorded
29/11/2007
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c. 1910, comprising fluted cylindrical shaft on moulded base, fluted domed capping over with ‘acorn’ finial, and having spout to the east side. Foundry mark 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Original pull lever now missing. Modern tap inserted. Located adjacent to footpath to the centre of Ballintra, and on the east side of the Main Street.
Appraisal
An attractive piece of mass produced cast-iron, which remains an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape to the centre of Ballintra. This water hydrant is of particular importance as a reminder of the mechanisms installed for the provision of clean drinking water in the period before mains water supply systems. The various fluted details enhance the artistic design quality of the piece, and indicate the equal importance of aesthetics as well as functionality. Although some elements are now missing, and a modern tap has been inserted, this hydrant survives in relatively good condition. The manufacturers of this piece, Glenfield and Kennedy Ltd, were the major company selling cast-iron water mechanisms within the British Empire during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. They were based in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and had workshops that spread over twenty-six acres (c. 1936). It is one of the few traditional items of street furniture still extant in Ballintra, and makes a positive contribution to the streetscape of the town.