The photograph of Victoria Fountain is how I remember it years ago, with its little fence around. I don't know what the Council are thinking of by taking the fence away and letting people lay on the grass. We would never have dreamed of crossing the little fence. I think it's an awful shame Brighton Council have let this part of history deteriorate.

Unfortunately Brighton & Hove Council seem to have little interest in caring for sites like this (which aren't suitable for development into luxury flats).

I remember the fountain like this with the changing colours. It was like a little piece of fairyland to me as a child born in 1932. Such a shame that things have changed so much, it could have added to the tourist attractions.

Does anyone have any information about my great grandfather, William Pepper, sculptor, born in Brighton in 1831 please? I have heard that he had something to do with a fountain with dolphins around the base. Could he have sculpted this one? Any information would be helpful. Thank you.

I understand Victoria Fountain was erected in 1846; designed by Brighton architect Amon Henry Wilds who built various terraces around Brighton (including no 26 Old Steine?). The fountain was cast by Brighton's Eagle Foundry c1845-46. This fountain MAY have inspired Fountain Street (now Sydney Road) in Manly, NSW when we were still called 'New Brighton' or 'Brighton'. Fountain Street, Manly, leads into The Corso and The Steyne and may have been intended for a similarly spectacular fountain - if so it never eventuated. We did get a Victoria Parade, but lost our Victoria Hall (1900-28) on The Corso.

The fountain looks fantastic in this photo - why can't we have a bit more civic pride today and recreate the lighting in the picture? Magical! The Mazda foutain, when it's (rarely) operational is equally effective - but what's happening there?

I remember how vibrant the fountains were as a boy, and the Royal Pavillion being lit in a similar way. The Steine was so much more exciting. It really would only be a small investment compared to the benefit for Brighton to restore the lighting to its former glory.

I so agree with you Martin Fuller - this is Brighton. It's a city now and there's nothing outstanding. Making the Steine look like it used to would do us proud and so many more people would love to visit this great place.

I agree that the Steine should be restored to its former glory!

I have only been a resident in Brighton for the last fifteen years although my father has lived here most of his life. So I have never seen the Victoria Fountain look like it does in this photo but I think someone should start a petition to have it maintained back to its former glory.