Could the Ilkley Fountain win its first accolade

The PSSA [Public Statues and Sculpture Association] have announced the new Ilkley Fountain has been nominated for the 2026 PSSA Marsh Award for Excellence in Fountains.

Several nominations were made for the Ilkley fountain, which was delivered after a competition and consultation period by the charity Improving Ilkley, and opened by Alan Titchmarsh CBE in 2025,

Announcing the nomination, the PSSA said:

"We are delighted to announce that Juliet Gutch, Ilkley Fountain has been nominated for our 2026 PSSA Marsh Award for Excellence in Fountains

"The sculpture’s intertwining leaf forms are inspired by sphagnum moss, a keystone species found on Ilkley Moor. Sphagnum plays a vital ecological role, filtering and storing water, gradually forming peat that locks in carbon, mitigating flood risk, and supporting biodiversity. The abstract shapes of the sculpture reference the plant’s cellular structure and the interaction between moss and moorland water. As sphagnum becomes part of the ground it inhabits, traces of the past are preserved, with the peat of Ilkley Moor carrying within itself Ilkley’s heritage as a spa town shaped by water. Through the composition of the forms, the sculpture expresses that gesture of holding—water, carbon, balance, and memory. By playing with scale, the intention is to invite reflection on human responsibility in protecting fragile ecosystems.

"The moorland water which runs through the fountain is briefly borrowed from the ghyll flowing down from Ilkley Moor on its journey to the River Wharfe. In 2025 the area was designated as one of eight sites within the Bradford Pennine Gateway, to be one of the King’s new series of National Nature Reserves, so the fountain supports the current valuing of this moorland habitat.

"The PSSA Marsh Award for Excellence in Fountains, run in partnership with Marsh Awards celebrates outstanding Fountains installed in the previous year and fostering a broader engagement with this vital art form."

Artist impression of what phase 2 of the fountain project could look like

The charity recently announced it was fundraising for phase 2, which would remove the surrounding wall, install high-quality stone paving, add new planting and create additional seating — improving access, comfort and the overall aesthetics of this town centre focal point. £12,000 has already been raised towards phase 2 of the fountain project. Further details can be found here.

Improving Ilkley will find out if the Ilkley Fountain is shortlisted in October for the 2026 PSSA Marsh Award for Excellence in Fountains, with the awards given out in November.