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Scanlan Fountain

PUBLIC ART COLLECTION IDENTIFICATION SUMMARY
Click to enlarge image .pdf printout of this page	Number: 0004
	Artist: Unknown
	Title: Scanlan Fountain
	Date: 1891
	Type: Fountain
	Medium: Cast Iron
	Dimensions: Approximately 12 feet tall
	Foundry/Fabricator: J.L. Mott Iron Works
	Location/Environment: Sam Houston Park, Allen Parkway @ Bagby Street
	Provenance: Donated to the City of Houston by the Heritage Society.

Historical Background
Thomas Scanlan, born in Ireland, came to Houston in 1853 and began business as a general merchant. After the Civil War, Scanlan rose rapidly through the ranks of municipal politics and was appointed Mayor of Houston in 1870.

The Scanlan home, then located at the 1900 block of Main, was razed in 1938. Consequently, the Scanlan Fountain was relocated to their new residence in Rosharon. In 1972, the fountain was donated to the Heritage Society.

Physical Description
The Scanlan Fountain is located in Sam Houston Park. The pool of the fountain is concrete and approximately 30” tall and the fountain is approximately 12 feet tall. The finish is waterproof green paint, which was the original color of the fountain. There is decorative elements throughout the cast form. Most notable are the series of goats on the perimeter of the second basin. The water pours from the spouts in their mouths into the bottom pool.

Restoration / Conservation
The Scanlan Fountain was restored in 1999.