J. H. Rutherford Memorial (1894)
Sculptor: E. Errington
Location: Bigg Market/Grainger Street, Newcastle. Materials: Red Sandstone and Granite. Status: Listed Grade II.
This drinking fountain, dated 1894, at the top of the Bigg Market (bigg was a particular kind of barley) was originally sited in St. Nicholas' Square but was moved from there to make way for a grand statue of Queen Victoria in 1903. Erected by the Band of Hope Union in memory of J.H. Rutherford who was influential as a preacher, doctor educationalist and a friend to the poor. It contains the legend "Water Is Best" on a shield on one of the panels, which is ironic as it is now sited in an area that is world famous, or possibly infamous, for its bars and fun-pubs.
