The Grand Fountain at Beechwood HotelA Historic Masterpiece Reborn in Worcester, MA

A Legacy Cast in Iron

Originally commissioned in 1879 by the Fairmount Park Art Association in Philadelphia, the Grand Fountain is a monumental cast iron sculpture created by the legendary Val d'Osne Foundry in France. This foundry, known for its ornate fountains and public art, also produced replicas of the Statue of Liberty and contributed to Paris’ iconic metro entrances. This monumental restoration will soon be unveiled at the Beechwood Hotel, offering guests and visitors a rare glimpse into 19th-century artistry and craftsmanship. It will stand as a symbol of Worcester’s commitment to preserving history and celebrating public art.

Artistic Grandeur & Design

Standing 27 feet tall, the fountain features:

• Winged cherubs holding frogs and lions’ heads spouting water
• Two elegant maidens supporting a large tray adorned with cherubs and vases
• A decorative vase crowning the structure, creating a dazzling water display

This masterpiece once graced Fairmount Park in Philadelphia until it was decommissioned in 1945 due to disrepair.

Rediscovered & Restored

In 2018, Dr. Charles Birbara, owner of Worcester’s Beechwood Hotel, acquired the fountain’s remains from an architectural antique dealer in Pennsylvania. Recognizing its cultural artistic, and historic significance, Dr. Birbara launched a full-scale restoration to return the fountain to its former glory.

Restoration Excellence

Led by Jeffrey Buccacio of Buccacio Sculpture Services, the restoration involved:

• 3D scanning and printing to recreate missing components
• Stainless steel infrastructure for durability
• Custom plumbing systems to support water flow
• Restoration of 40% of the original structure

Buccacio’s portfolio includes work on historic monuments, public sculptures, and Hollywood films like Jurassic Park and Alien vs. Predator.

In addition to Boccaccio, the restoration required the talents of multiple other entities, including engineering firms, plumbing and electrical companies, landscape architects, and a well-drilling company. LEI Company oversaw all the complex construction which this project required.