Přerov is demolishing the fountain, moving Theimer's statue under the ramparts

Přerov - Workers in Přerov have begun the demolition of the fountain near the Haná restaurant. The fountain is decorated with elements by the world-renowned sculptor Ivan Theimer. It was one of his first works from the late 1960s. However, the city will save the four sculptural works that have adorned the fountain so far and will relocate them under the city walls. The town hall initially wanted to renovate the fountain, which is in a deplorable state, but ultimately abandoned those plans. The city will pay 2.2 million crowns for the demolition of the fountain and the relocation of Theimer's sculptures, said Lenka Chalupová, spokesperson for the Přerov city hall.

Construction work on the demolition has begun in recent days. The sculptor's plastic artworks will be placed under the walls near the statue of Neptune, which was also previously relocated here from another part of Přerov. "The demolition also includes the relocation of four stone fragments. These will be placed on a new concrete base, covered with a sandstone slab," said Ivana Pinkasová from the Přerov city council. She added that the area where the fountain stood will then be filled with soil.

The fifty-year-old fountain near the Haná restaurant was already in very poor condition and had not served its purpose for many years. The town hall originally wanted to repair it, with costs estimated by the city leadership to be several million crowns. The town hall had also selected a contractor for the renovation but ultimately withdrew from the contract due to its breach and decided on demolition.

Theimer's sculptures symbolize plant motifs - such as a poppy head, beech, and mallow. The relocation of these works under the walls was agreed upon with the author. According to the mayor of Přerov, Vladimír Puchalský, the placement under the walls was suggested by Theimer himself.

Seventy-two-year-old Ivan Theimer, considered one of the most significant European sculptors, whose works adorn many European capitals, is the author of the Arion Fountain in the Upper Square in his native Olomouc. The modern fountain with antique motifs, built for 20 million crowns, was commissioned in 2002. The sculptor divides his time between Paris and Tuscany.