British Victorian Renaissance Revival Lead Lion Garden Fountain Spout Finial Sculpture
London, United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
-
Easy returns (14 days)
-
Free return if the item isn't as described
-
Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Average
Material
Other Metal
Style
Antique, Traditional, Victorian
Product Details
Description
RARE British Antique Victorian Renaissance Revival Lead Lion Fountain Spout Finial Sculpture
A striking example of Victorian Renaissance Revival design, this antique lion head finial is hand-cast in solid lead, a traditional medium valued for its weight, resilience, and noble patina c1890. Conceived as a fountain spout, it would have once projected water through the hole in the lion’s mouth, merging artistry with functionality. Very heavy for its size being 13.5kg. The lion, long a symbol of strength, vigilance, and royal power, was a favored motif of both the Italian Renaissance and its 19th-century revival, where classical grandeur was reinterpreted for stately homes and gardens.
The sculpture demonstrates the ornamental energy of the Renaissance Revival, which drew inspiration from 15th–16th century Italian garden design while adapting forms for Victorian tastes. The mane radiates in rhythmic, flame-like locks that curl and flow outward, creating a sense of motion reminiscent of Renaissance grotesques and mascarons. The brow and eyes are modeled with bold depth, casting strong shadows and imbuing the mask with an almost architectural presence. The muzzle and mouth project prominently, centering the composition around the fountain spout hole, where water once flowed — animating the design as both sculpture and living ornament. The contours around the mouth form muscular ridges, evoking Renaissance ideals of strength and vitality. The balance between naturalistic detail and stylized ornament is key to the Renaissance Revival aesthetic: the lion’s face is instantly recognizable, yet abstracted into flowing, decorative forms designed to harmonize with architectural and garden settings.
During the Victorian period (mid-to-late 19th century), British architects and designers revived the motifs of the Italian Renaissance, adapting classical and mythological ornament for modern use. Lions, grotesque masks, and bold scrollwork were especially popular for fountains, doorways, and garden ornaments. This piece captures that spirit — a blend of antique-inspired symbolism and Victorian craftsmanship, meant to confer dignity, drama, and continuity with the classical past.
Dimensions (approximate):
- Height: 35 cm
- Width: 28 cm
- Depth: 13 cm
A versatile size, equally suited as a garden focal point, mounted wall ornament, or interior display piece with historical depth.
Provenance:
From a private collection at a Shire estate garden in the United Kingdom, underscoring its heritage as an authentic 19th-century architectural antique. Now curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Condition Report:
Rich, naturally weathered patina throughout. Surface wear, scuffs, and staining consistent with age. Small dents, irregularities, and minor casting losses. Chip to the lion’s brow. Warping bending to the bottom mane area. All wear is consistent with a lead sculpture exposed to the elements for generations, adding depth, authenticity, and character to the piece.
Worldwide Shipping Available:
Expertly packed and fully insured for secure international delivery. For United Kingdom only, we offer free mainland shipping as standard. For all international customers, any customs charges, demurrage, duty, taxes are your responsibility to pay.
Condition report:
Rich, naturally weathered patina throughout. Surface wear, scuffs, and staining consistent with age. Small dents, irregularities, and minor casting losses. Chip to the lion’s brow. Warping bending to the bottom mane area. All wear is consistent with a lead sculpture exposed to the elements for generations, adding depth, authenticity, and character to the piece.
Wear Condition
Average
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
We offer Free standard delivery to the United Kingdom & alls Islands and International destinations for small and medium sized pieces only, shipping charges are additional for large pieces please ask for a quote. We offer full online tracking provided for all United Kingdom & International deliveries we ship the with the following parcel couriers for small to medium sized items usually on a next working day delivery service DHL, DPD, Parcelforce, Fedex delivered to your door.
For large and extra large & heavy items can be delivered Aardvark Art Services via 1 man van courier to door UK mainland only the driver will need help to unload! if you require 2 persons to help carry this will incur an additional surcharge please ask for a quote.
For international buyers import duty, sales taxes, customs charges, storage fees are are additional and are the responsibility of the buyer to pay.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
Made to Last
The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
Shopping at Vinterior
Similar Animal Sculptures
Similar Animal Sculptures
Add to a wishlist
Create Wishlist
Completethe room
Good design is all in the layering. Whether you're adding impact or refining the details, now’s the time to find what’s missing.
Reviews
5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
-
14-day return guarantee
-
Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
-
Seller vetting
-
Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
