Commissioned from D W Stevenson as Macfarlane's principal exhibit at the 1901 International Exhibition at Kelvingrove Park, the fountain was gifted to the city by Walter Macfarlane and eventually relocated to Alexandra Park in 1914 (the pavement inscription erroniously gives the date 1916).

The fountain's central tower is loosely based on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens (of 334 BC). The four seated, classical maidens on the pedestals around its base were cast from Stevenson's models for the bronze figures around his statue to John Platt in Oldham, of 1878. The figures represent Literature (with a book on her lap); Science (holding a retort); Art (with a theatrical mask and lyre) and Commerce (seated on a ship, replacing Engineering in the Oldham group).

The figures are flanked by arches decorated with seashells and large, lion mask waterspouts. The sides of the pedestal incorporate paired reliefs of the signs of the Zodiac.

Tiny cherubs ring the upper basin and spout water from flutes. The crowning feature comprises four, entwined dolphin waterspouts.

Restored to working order in 2000, the fountain's blue and gold livery is approximate to its 1901 colour scheme, although for many years it was painted white and gold.