If I’m being honest, this whole sculpture looks like the sculptor had enjoyed several beers before starting work, but it’s certainly interesting and noticeable. Designed by the wonderfully eccentric sculptor Peter Lenk (1947-), it stands proudly on Adenauerplatz, located in front of the town hall. Lenk has numerous other sculptures around Lake Constance, I’m sure I’ll return to the area to visit some more of them.
As for this one, I was greeted by a large bronze head with enormous horns and behind it rises a stylised Zeppelin, soaring above the chaos like a metallic halo. It’s all deeply symbolic no doubt, but I suspect that Lenk was happy for people to be a little confused as to what they’re looking at.
The fountain’s name, Buchhornbrunnen, refers to Friedrichshafen’s medieval name, Buchhorn, meaning “horn of beech trees” and so the horns are a nod to the town’s past, while the Zeppelin represents its more glamorous twentieth century history.
Unfortunately, the light was dimming and so my photos aren’t entirely clear, but they’ll have to do. I like a bit of random modernity in my life, so was quite drawn to this arrangement.