The Princess of Wales Fountain was created as a loving memorial to Princess Diana. It is located in the southwest corner of London’s Hyde Park.
The fountain can be found south of the Serpentine Lake and east of the Serpentine Gallery.
The Princess of Wales Fountain was built using the best materials and state-of-the-art technology. While the fountain’s base was laid in 2004, it wasn’t until July 6, 2004, that the entire structure was completed and finally opened.
The event was highlighted by the attendance of Queen Elizabeth II who was the keynote speaker. She talked about Princess Diana’s lifelong devotion to children and charitable works.
The design of the memorial was made by Kathryn Gustafson who is a famous American landscape artist. She used a large oval stream bed made from 545 pieces of Cornish granite in designing the fountain.
The entire structure is surrounded by a grassy expanse of land where visitors can freely sit and reflect. Measuring 165 by 260 feet wide, the granite stream bed is described as being extremely shallow.
The Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain was originally designed with the purpose of using it like a wading pond. The depth of the stream bed varies between 10 and 20 feet.
Likewise, the granite pieces are arranged in sloping steps which allow the water to flow gently downhill through the fountain. Related: The Fiori Wall Fountain
The oval fountain can be seen as being divided into two parts. The first half slowly descends over the gently sloping granite steps.
Then, the water falls softly and evenly creating a pleasant rippling effect. This half side of the fountain symbolizes the happy and peaceful times of Princess Diana’s life. More About Wall Fountains.
The other half of the fountain can be described as being made up of a variety of steps, curves, and rills which are all crashed over by the water. This half of the fountain represents the turmoil that threatened Princess Diana’s life.
Water flows from each side of the fountain before meeting in the calm pool found at the bottom. This water is constantly recycled and filtered through the water system of London.
The Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain embodies Diana’s open character. It has a trio of bridges that stretch over the stream bed, allowing visitors to reach the heart of the fountain.
The fountain is Diana’s last gift to the world. Her legacy remains in the hearts and minds of every person she has touched in her short lifetime.
Read More- Songhai The River Empire
