Bennetts Baptismal Font

Bennetts Baptismal Font located in the lower galleries of Cork Public Museum

This elaborate baptismal font was created by much admired Scottish sculptor, Andrew Davidson (1841 – 1925). He was born in Inverness, Scotland into a family of weavers but followed his older brother Donald’s (1830-1905) example by becoming a stonemason. The two brothers formed a stonemason business called D & A Davidson, that was based in Inverness. The firm developed a reputation of creating high-quality works, winning many contracts across Scotland and beyond, which continued to operate under the name of D & A Davidson long after the original founders had died. 

Davidson’s signature on the base pedestal showing that he created the piece in Rome in 1902.

The inscription on the front of the pedestal for the baptisimal font.

Despite the success of the business, Andrew spent a great deal of his time in Rome studying and developing his art. The warmer climate of Italy also alleviated his persistent health issues. It was whilst working in Rome that he was hired to create the font on display at Cork Public Museum. The design, based around a stylised and common depiction of a kneeling angel holding a large scallop shell, was completed in 1902.

The font was commissioned by Joseph Bennett (1834 -?) in memory of his wife, Mary Hannah Bennett (1833 – 1899). The Bennetts lived in Blair Castle, a house described by renowned 19th century Cork antiquarian, John Windele, as a ‘modern absurdity’. Located on high ground above Sunday’s Well, the house is now the Blair’s Hill Nursing Home. Joseph and Mary had 7 children and attended St. Mary’s Church in Shanakiel (now Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima). After its completion, the font was placed in St. Mary’s. The Church probably had an input into the design of its new baptismal font. After St. Mary’s was deconsecrated, the font went to the church at St. Luke’s Cross, before making its way to Cork Public Museum in 2007.

The Catholic church, Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, located on Shanakiel Road was consecrated as a Church of Ireland church known as St. Mary’s in 1879. It was regularly attended by the Bennett family who lived nearby, making it an ideal location for the baptismal font.