Collins Temperance Fountain

Just behind the McLennan Arch, this temperance fountain was erected to honor the contributions of Sir William Collins to the temperance movement. Sir Collins was a publisher by trade and served as Lord Provost of Glasgow from 1877–1880; famously, he was the first teetotaler to serve in the role and was nicknamed “Water Willie” by his supporters.

The fountain, erected in 1881, features a dedication plaque on the back of the pedestal and a quote from Sir William Collins set into the pavement. Atop the fountain stands a classically styled statue of a young woman holding a pitcher.

Temperance fountains were installed in many places in the 19th century, including New York City and Washington, D.C. Inspired by the Methodist-backed Temperance Movement that sought to spread the gospel of moderation within the seemingly disastrous culture of drinking that prevailed at the time, these fountains were set up to make abstinence from alcohol easier by providing clean, safe, and free sources of drinking water.