Central Park In Bronze

Location: 72nd Street, west side

Artist/Designer: Jacob Wrey Mould

Materials: Frosted glass, Minton tiles, bluestone, polished granite, wrought iron, bronze

Installation: c. 1870

Funding: Unknown

 

Many visitors to the Cherry Hill fountain mistakenly believe that it is the fountain featured in the TV series Friends. The actual Friends fountain is located in Hollywood, California, but those who come to Cherry Hill still have a treat in store. This Victorian confection was designed by English-born Jacob Wrey Mould. A formally trained architect, Mould did much of the ornamental work in Central Park and also designed buildings like the Sheepfold (now incorporated into the Tavern on the Green restaurant).

 

Mould’s fountain was a stopping point and turnaround for horseback riders and horse-drawn carriages. While the horses took a drink of water, the riders could drink in the view of the Lake. The fountain and surrounding area have been restored several times. Horses no longer get water there, but it still provides a lovely view, especially in early spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.

Cherry Hill Fountain