Burnett Memorial Fountain, Boy and Girl Fountain

This Boy and Girl Fountain sculpture is a refined recreation of the classic fountain in New York City’s Central Park. The original was created by American sculptor Bessie Potter Vonnoh in memory of Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of The Secret Garden. The boy playing the flute and the girl holding the bowl symbolize the harmony of childhood, friendship, and nature. This Burnett Memorial Fountain replica, crafted with exquisite bronze casting, recreates the beauty of the original and is perfect for a garden, patio, or park, adding a sense of tranquility and poetry.

Who is Frances Hodgson Burnett?

Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924) was a British-born American author known for her heartwarming and reassuring children’s literature. Her masterpieces include Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess, and The Secret Garden.

What are some interesting facts about Frances Hodgson Burnett?

1. She began publishing novels at the age of 18, a rare example of a professional female author at the time.
2. She loved gardening, and The Secret Garden was inspired by her own garden.
3. The publication of The Little Lord sparked a trend for “aristocratic children’s clothing.”
4. Her works have been adapted into numerous stage plays and films, with a century-long influence.
5. Burnett believed that nature could heal the soul, a philosophy that permeated her literary work and life.

What is the history of the Burnett Memorial Fountain in Central Park?

The Secret Garden Fountain, built in 1936, is located in the South Garden of the Conservatory Garden in New York City’s Central Park.

Designed by American sculptor Bessie Potter Vonnoh, the fountain commemorates Burnett‘s outstanding contributions to children’s literature. The fountain is inspired by her masterpiece, The Secret Garden

Appearance description of the Burnett Memorial Fountain replica.

This bronze sculpture presents a warm and poetic scene: a boy leans slightly forward on a rock, playing a flute with a focused and calm expression, his posture naturally relaxed. A girl stands gracefully beside him, holding the bowl-shaped fountain water tray in her hands with an elegant and natural posture. Her head is slightly lowered, her expression serene, as if she is listening to the melody of the flute.

The figures exude a childlike innocence and gentleness, with flowing lines and harmonious postures. The entire Burnett Memorial Fountain is crafted with exquisite bronze casting. The girl’s skirt falls naturally, and the boy’s folds and hair are vividly carved, creating a sense of tranquility and vitality.

Who are the boy and girl in this Burnett Memorial Fountain based on?

The imagery of the boy and girl in this fountain sculpture is inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s famous novel, The Secret Garden.

The Boy: It is believed to represent Dickon, a country boy who loves nature and lives with animals. He symbolizes innocence and harmony with nature. He is often depicted playing a flute, implying that music awakens life and the garden’s revival.

The Girl: It corresponds to the protagonist, Mary Lennox, a girl who rises from isolation to adulthood. Her gesture of holding a bowl of water symbolizes care, life, and rebirth, echoing her restoration of the “Secret Garden” in the novel.

This pair of characters represents the core themes of Burnett’s work—the healing power of nature and the pure friendship of childhood—and is the soul of the entire fountain’s “literary sculpture.”

Production process of making the bronze Boy and Girl Fountain.

This Burnett Memorial Fountain sculpture utilizes traditional lost-wax casting combined with modern precision techniques. Below is a partial factory production flow chart, providing a more intuitive understanding of the entire sculpture process and detailed craftsmanship, from design to completion.

Where to place this Boy and Girl Fountain?

The Burnett Memorial Fountain replica, with its elegant bronze finish and warm, childlike theme, is suitable for a variety of settings:

1. Villa courtyards and private gardens: As a centerpiece fountain, complemented by flower beds, stone paths, and greenery, it creates a tranquil, literary atmosphere.
2. Schools, libraries, and children’s centers: As a symbol of education and inspiration, it conveys the meaning of nature and growth.
3. Public parks and healing gardens: Bringing art and tranquility, creating a focal point for rest and photo opportunities.
4. Memorial areas or religious sites: Expressing themes of purity, hope, and spiritual healing.
5. Hotels and resorts: Adding a touch of European romance and cultural flair. This Boy and Girl Fountain blends the beauty of literature and nature, creating a story-filled artistic landscape for both your home and public space.

How to order a custom Fountain sculpture?

Creating a unique fountain sculpture not only enhances the artistic quality of any space but also showcases your taste and personality. Here’s how to order a custom fountain sculpture at Arturban sculpture:

1. Choose Your Design
   You can select your preferred design from our existing collection or provide photos, hand-drawn sketches, or inspirational references, and our design team will create a custom design for you.
3. Select Material & Size
   We offer a variety of materials: bronze, stainless steel, fiberglass, or marble. The size and structure can be adjusted to suit your site proportions and fountain system requirements.
5. Confirm Design & Quote
   After confirming the form, proportions, and water flow design, we’ll finalize the quote and production timeline.
7. Maintain Communication During Production
   During the production process, we’ll regularly send progress photos and videos to keep you updated on every stage of the sculpture, including casting, polishing, and painting.
9. Inspection & Shipping
   After production is complete, you can confirm your work remotely. Your fountain will be packaged in shock-resistant export packaging for safe worldwide shipping, and installation instructions will be provided.
11. Installation & Maintenance
    We provide detailed installation instructions and maintenance recommendations to ensure the fountain’s long-term stable operation and enduring appearance.

Below are some fountain sculpture designs for your reference.