Rising Universe

Rising Universe is a water fountain sculpture in Horsham featuring a large spherical globe mounted on a pedestal structure. The globe fills with water and releases it through a cycle, with the sphere moving downward and upward as part of its mechanical operation.

The sculpture was created in 1996 by artist Angela Conner to honor the 200th anniversary of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley's birth near Horsham. The work connects this town to Shelley's legacy as an important figure in English literary history.

The sculpture displays passages from Shelley's poem 'Mont Blanc' on a plaque built into its design, connecting this public artwork to the region's literary heritage.

The sculpture is located in a public area of Horsham and is freely accessible to visitors at any time. The water mechanism was deactivated in 2016, so the fountain no longer operates, but the structure remains visible as a notable landmark in the town center.

The sphere moved down gradually over five minutes when filled with water, creating a slow mechanical motion unlike typical fountains. This deliberate pace made the water cycle a contemplative experience, encouraging visitors to watch the complete sequence unfold.