Photo: Cesar von Meissen
Pelican Fountain in front of Haus Fuhr – Relic and Resting Place
The Pelican Fountain in Essen-Werden is located on the right side of the entrance to the Haus Fuhr, which is now used as a Protestant community center. Its name derives from the depiction of a pelican with pelican chicks sitting at its feet. The water feature is integrated into the fortification wall and is hardly noticeable in winter. In summer, it magically attracts children and invites adults to linger as well.
Symbolism and iconography
The pelican is a frequently used symbol in sacred art. As a symbol for Jesus Christ, it is deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Within the framework of iconography, that is, the visual interpretation of motifs and content, the pelican, which feeds its young with the blood from its own breast, is often interpreted as self-sacrificing and protective. Here, too, incorporated into the fortification wall leading to the higher ground of Haus Fuhr, the pelican stands as a symbolic source of life and simultaneously as a guardian of the well.
Photo: Cesar von Meissen
Becoming wealthy
While the Haus Fuhr was built in the 19th century, the Pelican Fountain dates back to 1910. The abbey town of Werden was once particularly wealthy. At that time, a number of figurative artworks were created, such as this fountain, which was carved from sandstone. The Protestant church Essen-Werden, located a few meters further along Heckstraße, also owes its existence to donations from well-to-do citizens. Even though these small and large works of art are often overlooked in today's hustle and bustle and barely noticed in the hectic pace of everyday life, we at Baldeneysee.Ruhr still want to draw attention to them and draw the viewer's attention to the many special places along the Ruhr. Baldeneysee steer.
Our conclusion
Some people don't even notice it as they pass by, but the residents of Werden cherish the Pelican Fountain in their old town. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it testifies to the abundance of life in the villas along the banks of the Ruhr River. Drained in winter, its gently splashing water magically attracts young and old alike in summer.
