A rare cast-iron single tiered fountain in the form of a lotus flower, marked “GEO. SMITH & CO/SUN FOUNDRY, GLASGOW”, Scottish, ca. 1858-1899.  Basin sold separately.

55 ins. high, 38 ins. wide at bowl, 25 ins. wide at base

Founded in 1858 by George Smith, the Sun Foundry operated at 64 Port Dundas Road in Glasgow until 1875 when it was relocated to Parliamentary Road. The firm remained at the latter address until 1896. In 1896, George Smith & Co. Ltd Sun Foundry moved to Linwood before it was eventually shuttered in 1899. The firm was a worthy rival to Walter Macfarlane & Co. Saracen Foundry, which was perhaps the most well known of the Glasgow iron founders. While the Sun Foundry produced a range of ornaments including gates, benches, lanterns and railings, fountains were their particular specialty. Much of the decorative ironwork at the Glasgow Necropolis was produced by the Sun Foundry, and an excellent pair of fountains may be seen to this day in the Peoples Park in Dunlaoghaire, Ireland.