Update on Rebecca

Lots more information is coming to light now about the work that is necessary to be carried out regarding the Rebecca Fountain alongside Bath Abbey.

In a B&NES planning application, Cliveden Conservation detail the damage done to the Grade 11 listed statue by vandals. It concerns the bowl into which the marble statue of Rebecca is ‘pouring’ her water.

“The damage had been caused by yanking/ripping of the bowl upwards so that the
entire upper section, including the bowl, the triple-engaged-column shaft and the lid
of the box mechanism rose up from their pins.”

And it’s not the first time this sculpture – erected in 1861 by Bath Temperance Association – has been damaged.

It had to be repaired in 2004 after the bowl and box mechanism were badly damaged. Further repairs were needed after damage in 2022.

Cliveden Conservation has also been experimenting with materials and cleaning agents and are seeking planning approval for cleaning the marble and sandstone and using new mortar in areas where the old sealing material has been lost.

Cliveden Conservation have been active in our city over the years. Carrying out repairs to the Laura Place Fountain, the York Street Arch, the Queen Square obelisk and the Roman Baths.

Maybe a CCTV camera should be installed to keep an eye on Rebecca?

I was also thinking about how she must have been a meeting point for many people over the years. There must be so many untold stories that l would love to hear about!