The Boating Pond is a beloved Port Sunlight landmark. It was designed for toy boats in the 1930s by Lever Brothers architect James Lomax Simpson, who was responsible for most Port Sunlight buildings designed after 1911. The bronze Sea Piece fountain by sculptor Charles Wheeler was installed in 1950 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lady Lever’s birth. Both the Boating Pond and the fountain are Grade II listed.
A much-loved monument
Why the Boating Pond is special
The problem
What’s wrong with the Boating Pond?
The Boating Pond is nearly 100 years old. The basin of the pond was built with concrete and cement, which have caused significant problems. Its walls are damaged and the waterproof materials have deteriorated in many places over the decades. Its surface has been repaired several times with different coatings to try to keep it in use, however surveys have demonstrated that the basin continues to leak. in 2021, Port Sunlight Village Trust had to drain the Boating Pond and install rubber matting for safety reasons, and it cannot be refilled until it has been repaired.
Recent project updates
Sea Piece’s conservation journey
March 2026
Our Collections Care Manager Catherine dives into the important first step of the project to relocate and restore Sir Charles Wheeler’s sculpture.
Planning consent and funding update
October 2025
Read about when we secured both planning consent and a substantial amount of funding from Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust.
How you can support
Support us
Donate a duck
Give your support to the project by taking part in our ‘Donate a duck’ interactive giving platform – simply click anywhere on the pond, choose the donation amount and add a personal message if you wish, and add your rubber duck to the raft (that’s the collective noun for a group of ducks, if you didn’t know).
Look out for special rubber ducks available to purchase in Port Sunlight Museum’s gift shop, coming soon!
Support us
Help our JustGiving campaign
Help us reach our target to raise £10,000 in support of our important project through JustGiving. Give an individual donation or rally behind our cause with your own fundraisers to bring this important part of the local community back to life. If you have any fundraising ideas or plans, please contact our Fundraising team so we can give our full support.
Support us
Display your love for the Boating Pond
Emma Rodgers, acclaimed sculptor and resident artist at Port Sunlight’s Old Fire Station, has designed a range of beautiful village-themed decorations including one featuring the Sea Piece fountain. Each decoration is hand-finished and gives you the chance to display a piece of Port Sunlight in your home, all while supporting our project.
Support us
Play the Port Sunlight Lottery
Playing the Port Sunlight Lottery for just £2 per week is a fun and easy way to support our work. You’ll be in with the chance of winning weekly cash prizes of up to £1,000, plus monthly gift hampers and quarterly superdraws of £5,000 or £10,000. So what are you waiting for?
