Ventura Rodríguez fountain restoration in Ciempozuelos
Work included in the Plan of Fountains and Historic Gardens of the Community of Madrid
This monumental fountain of Ciempozuelos is a tribute to «this villa to his illustrious son» Ventura Rodríguez, renowned architect of the 20th century. XVIII, native of the town. It is located in the central square of the same name between the Town Hall and the Church of Santa María Magdalena, surrounded by a tree-lined pedestrian space,
Built between 1897 and 1898, it was designed by the architect Luis María Argenti y Herrera, with its sculptor Jaime Lluch. On its pedestal there are four plaques that commemorate some of his most notable works in the city of Madrid: the fountains of Cybele, Neptune and Four Seasons, as well as the church of San Marcos.
In the current location there has been a public fountain since 1760 that supplied the municipality, and the different transformations it may have undergone until reaching the current model, protected as an Asset of Heritage Interest, are unknown. It is likely that the lower vessel of the current fountain could correspond to that first one, with the wear and tear preserved due to the support of the jugs. Above this lobed glass stands a central stone pedestal topped with a sculpture representing the architect. The fountains are made up of four reliefs with bronze cherubs and marble commemorative plaques, which pour into separate limestone glasses or cups.
Images of the source before and after the intervention
restoration project
The entire fountain and its sculpture at the top were in poor condition, with the stone showing a high degree of degradation due to humidity, dirt, occasional breaks and inadequate modern repairs. Its hydraulic system was also obsolete.
It has been completely restored, cleaning the stone and bronzes due to contamination and the presence of lichens, eliminating inadequate mortars and reintegrating the missing volumes using restoration mortars armed with fiberglass rods.
Finally it has been protected with a water-repellent treatment. The lower basin has been leveled and waterproofed to prevent leaks, and its hydraulic system has been renewed. As a complement, the modern fence that surrounded it has been removed, integrating the fountain into its urban environment.
