There Will Be No Mermaids
Join instructor Dann Woellert in the untold story of the design of the infamous Tyler Davidson Fountain.
There Will Be No Mermaids: The Untold Story of the Design of the Tyler Davidson Fountain
Thursday, May 9, 6:30-8:30pm
$59 / One Class
Instructor: Dann Woellert
Location: Fountain Square
The Tyler Davidson Fountain was unveiled in Cincinnati in November of 1871 and has since become an iconic and beloved treasure of public art in our city. But who is the real woman known as the Genius of the Waters? What do all the characters in the fountain symbolize? Based on the great fountains of Europe, it had a sordid three years of design changes and cost increases. This untold story behind its design and fabrication at the Bavarian Royal Foundry in Munich is guaranteed to surprise and delight. Based on letters between Fredrick von Muller of the Royal Foundry and patron Tyler Davidson, this sordid story tells of a diva artist who couldn’t be kept on track, two budding young artist brothers who both made a name for themselves with other art projects in America, a European war and a Cincinnati city councilman/Cumminsville brewer which almost prevented the fountain’s delivery. The artistry behind this fountain tells of how it still inspires us over 150 years later in a modern world.
About Your Instructor
Dann Woellert
Writer & Food Etymologist
Dann Woellert is a travelled and overfed food historian. He has dived deeply into local food culture and travelled the world to find and understand the world's weirdest regional foods. He has published eight books on local food history.