Jefferson Building, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia

The Neptune Fountain consists of heroic scaled bronze figures of the sea god surrounded by nereids, nympths and a managerie of real and mythical sea creatures, set on rough granite boulders within a pool at the west end of the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.  As part of a team under the direction of Wisnewski Blair Architects Conservation Solutions studied the conditions and made preliminary recommendations for the protection and treatment of the bronzes during planned waterproofing and fountain upgrade work.

The study encompassed a survey of existing conditions, review of documents relavent to the fountain’s historic and renovated design and operation,  and coordination with structural and waterproofing consultants to determine the best means of estabilishing a waterproof recirculating fountain that minimizes water losss, maintains the appropriate historic appearance of the display, and protects the bronze and stone elements. Recommendations were studied for modifications to all of the elements as needed to ensure that work can occur without causing damage to the bronzes while meeting all of the needs. This includes appropriate water treatment means, equipment materials and selection, location of the sculptural components within the pool, water display and depth, and maintenance practices. The report will be integrated into the restoration plans for the fountain in the next phase.

Click here to download a printable PDF version of this page.