Art Deco Fountain Staircase in the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, now the Royal Shakespeare Theatre © Historic England CC47/02373

Hi Peter. The fountain by Gertrude Hermes is specifically referred to within the official list entry for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. As a general principle, the statutory protection afforded by listing extends not only to the principal building but also to features and structures that form part of the listed asset’s special architectural or historic interest.

Where a feature is expressly identified in the list description, this provides particularly strong evidence that it contributes to the significance of the listed building and is therefore protected as part of the listed structure.

Accordingly, we would regard the Art Deco fountain by Gertrude Hermes as being included within the listed building designation and therefore subject to the controls that apply to listed buildings.

As always, the local planning authority is responsible for decisions relating to listed building consent and should be consulted where specific proposals affecting the fountain are under consideration.