La fontaine Ortmans

Jean-François Ortmans was an industrialist specialised in dyeing and was mayor of Verviers from 1855 to 1885. His name is also linked to construction of the Gileppe Dam and the creation of the industrial and domestic water distribution network.This fountain, dating from 1893, is the work of Clément Vivroux. It incorporates a variety of materials such as cut stone, bronze and calcareous stone. It measures 15 metres in height and 13 metres in width.On the pediment, the city of Verviers, represented by a woman, stands beside a lion (a symbol of strength). In her right hand, the woman holds a piece of cloth (evoking the town's textile industry). There are two commemorative plaques:• On the left "1878, Ortmans Hauzeur creates the distribution network for the waters of the River Gileppe »• On the right "To Mayor Ortmans Hauzeur 1854-1885, from his grateful fellow citizens".The cut stone base is interrupted by sculpted strips imitating water curtains and, in the case of one of them, a wave. There are elements that are evocative of water:• Sculpted shells;• A very large shell behind the bust of Jean-François Ortmans;• An amphora on either side.The bottom part of the monument evokes the water distribution network and the role that Jean-François Ortmans played in the development of local industry. Five basins collect the water discharged by a pipe situated beneath the pedestal. This monument was erected on the gable end of a house that shares certain identical decorative elements with the fountain.