Heffelfinger Fountain Undergoes Needed Repairs
Heffelfinger Fountain Ready in Time for Mother's Day
The Heffelfinger Fountain, located within the Rose Garden at Lake Harriet, has been repaired over the winter and will be running better than ever on Mothers Day this year.
The fountain was purchased from an Italian villa by Frank Heffelfinger and in 1944 donated by him to the Minneapolis parks (see photo). Since then it has been a focal point of visitors' enjoyment of the gardens, serving as the backdrop for countless weddings and the inspiration for numerous artworks. The fountain is a highlight in our remarkable park system.
In recent years, the fountain has been declining and this past winter, the MPRB agreed to repair the mechanical aspects of the fountain. The MPRB hired a fountain engineer to dismantle the sculpture and re-plumb the inside. The fountain will be re-installed before Mothers Day. In addition, plans are underway for the MPRB to remove plumbing underground, a source of iron rust deposits which disfigure and damage the sculpture.
Further work still needs to be done to stabilize the sculpture. An art conservator needs to clean the bronze, restore a protective barrier against future corrosion and re-fabricate missing pieces. Upon completion of this project, the fountain will be in good working order to continue to give pleasure and inspiration to park visitors for many years to come.
EHFNA will continue to provide updates on the project. For further information, please contact Kristina Hughes (cell 612 803 1405, email kristina_hughes@hotmail.com).
The fountain was purchased from an Italian villa by Frank Heffelfinger and in 1944 donated by him to the Minneapolis parks (see photo). Since then it has been a focal point of visitors' enjoyment of the gardens, serving as the backdrop for countless weddings and the inspiration for numerous artworks. The fountain is a highlight in our remarkable park system.
In recent years, the fountain has been declining and this past winter, the MPRB agreed to repair the mechanical aspects of the fountain. The MPRB hired a fountain engineer to dismantle the sculpture and re-plumb the inside. The fountain will be re-installed before Mothers Day. In addition, plans are underway for the MPRB to remove plumbing underground, a source of iron rust deposits which disfigure and damage the sculpture.
Further work still needs to be done to stabilize the sculpture. An art conservator needs to clean the bronze, restore a protective barrier against future corrosion and re-fabricate missing pieces. Upon completion of this project, the fountain will be in good working order to continue to give pleasure and inspiration to park visitors for many years to come.
EHFNA will continue to provide updates on the project. For further information, please contact Kristina Hughes (cell 612 803 1405, email kristina_hughes@hotmail.com).
