Cheekwood Fountain Treatment

EverGreene conservators worked with the Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art for the restoration of a terra cotta fountain in the Cheekwood mansion. The 18th century Italian terra cotta fountain is located in the loggia of the Cheekwood Mansion, once the home of Leslie Cheek and his family before its conversion to a museum in 1960.  The historic fountain was built into the fabric of the house and gardens, which houses many other antique architectural elements and sculptures. The Cheekwood estate was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

EverGreene was contracted to assess the fountain and determine means to restore its structure and function, as the water features had been shut off and drained for decades. Working with a pool consultant, we analyzed the historic elements, original drawings, and current conditions and developed a plan to restore the fountain to operations.

We then were contracted to perform the recommended work.  Treatment required careful removal of the terra cotta elements for off site treatment to allow restoration of the fragile elements and installation of a recycling and filtration water system.  Previous repairs were removed from the terra cotta and new, sympathetic mortar patches and replacement parts were created and installed. A new waterproofing liner was added after re-installation of the terra cotta and the decorative plaster wall surround was repaired and repainted. A report detailing the work included maintenance recommendations for on-going care of the fountain.