PLANS for Ilkley’s fountain have reached the next stage, with organisers announcing that a 3D scale model has been commissioned.

The design will go on display at various locations in Ilkley early next year to give people an idea of what is planned for the junction of Brook Street and The Grove.

The winning design by artists Juliet and Jamie Gutch was chosen after an open competition and consultation earlier this year.

The plans, however, did not get universal approval, leading the scheme to be temporarily paused when a rival suggestion for a more traditional stone fountain was put forward.

The Gutch design has already been approved by the Ilkley Fountain Delivery Group, which is made up of various organisations and people including Improving Ilkley, representatives from key funder Ilkley BID, associated collaborators, and a number of additional local individuals with specific areas of expertise.

The design was inspired by the sphagnum moss found on Ilkley Moor, which is vital to the formation of peat. The water supply would be gravity-fed.

Improving Ilkley trustee Louise Hepworth-Wood said: "The team hopes that the model will convey how the final fountain will celebrate Bradford Council’s recent and significant commitment to re-wetting areas of moorland and planting sphagnum moss, thereby supporting carbon capture, peat restoration, improved biodiversity, better air and water quality, flood reduction and resilience to wildfire.

“The model will also help members of the community visualise how the fountain will enhance, and be enhanced by, its position at the meeting of Brook Street and Mill Ghyll where the energy of the town meets the calm of trees and water.”

The team has received a private donation specifically for a 3D scale model that will accurately represent the materials, dimensions, and forms of the sculpture design.

Now the partnership is in the process of developing a detailed delivery plan for the coming months including a timeline, technical specifications, costing, fundraising, and communication.

The team is working with Yorkshire blacksmith and metal fabricator James Wilkinson, who is fabricating the scale model of the sphagnum moss design by Juliet and Jamie.

Once finished, the model will be on view in various locations in Ilkley in early 2024 and used to support the final phases of fundraising.

Juliet and Jamie have worked with James Wilkinson before on the fabrication in copper of a sculptural mobile for the Newby Hall Sculpture Trail in 2019. 

Louise added: “A recent email from a member of the public summed up the team’s own commitment to delivering the fountain project: ‘For the Ilkley community, for art’s sake and for the natural environment we are all entrusted to protect, our wholehearted support lies with the beautiful Sphagnum Moss fountain design’.”

To find out more or to offer support, contact trustees@improvingilkley.org