To promote the launch of its series Dirty Business, Channel 4 shook things up with a ‘Fountain of Filth,’ a shocking creative action that raised awareness around Britain’s wastewater crisis.
The campaign caught the attention of the public and the media in February 2026, by installing a controversial 10-meter-wide fountain on the south bank of the Thames River in London.
The structure featured bronze statues of men, women, and children vomiting murky brown water. Explicit, but direct. The installation sought to raise awareness about the experiences of people who claim to have fallen ill due to contaminated wastewater.
In-house agency 4Creative collaborated with Glue Society and Biscuit Filmworks on this provocative campaign.
Among the vomiting people portrayed are former national surfing champion Sophie Hellyer and outdoor swimming journalist Ella Foote, who were recreated with 3D scans.
If onlookers want to know the “unpleasant” stories behind the contaminated wastewater, they can scan a QR code with their phone to hear the voices of those affected.
The Fountain of Filth was installed at the Thames River Observation Point until February 25th.
Tomilli