Wallace Fountain (1872)
Charles-Auguste LeBourg
DESCRIPTION: 1,345-pound (610 kg), 106.7-inch (2.71 meters) high cast iron sculptural public drinking fountain (now inoperative)
This Wallace Fountain (also referred to as "Fontaine Wallace") is one of many throughout Paris, France and the world. This one is the largest model, cast in 1872 by the Val D'Osne foundry, and it may be the only one in the United States.. It has an octagonal pedestal on which the arms of four caryatids support a pointed dome decorated by dolphins. It provided a slender trickle of water from the center of the dome, falling down into a basin protected by a grille. To make distribution easier, these fountains originally had two tin-plated iron cups attached by a small chain, staying always submerged for more cleanliness. In Paris these cups were removed in 1952 "for Hygiene reasons." There appears to be no data on when or how this particular Wallace Fountain was installed in Westwood Village.
The idea of such public drinking fountains was conceived by Sir Richard Wallace who was inspired by the Fontaine des Innocents and financed their construction and placement. They were designed by sculptor Charles-Auguste LeBourg and were produced in different models, this largest model, at nearly 7 feet, being the most common. The drinking fountains were a great aesthetic success, and they are recognized worldwide as one of the symbols of Paris. A Wallace Fountain resides outside the Wallace Collection gallery in London which houses works of art collected by Sir Richard Wallace and the first four Marquesses of Hertford. Sources: Wikipedia Google Arts & Culture
This Wallace Fountain (also referred to as "Fontaine Wallace") is one of many throughout Paris, France and the world. This one is the largest model, cast in 1872 by the Val D'Osne foundry, and it may be the only one in the United States.. It has an octagonal pedestal on which the arms of four caryatids support a pointed dome decorated by dolphins. It provided a slender trickle of water from the center of the dome, falling down into a basin protected by a grille. To make distribution easier, these fountains originally had two tin-plated iron cups attached by a small chain, staying always submerged for more cleanliness. In Paris these cups were removed in 1952 "for Hygiene reasons." There appears to be no data on when or how this particular Wallace Fountain was installed in Westwood Village.
The idea of such public drinking fountains was conceived by Sir Richard Wallace who was inspired by the Fontaine des Innocents and financed their construction and placement. They were designed by sculptor Charles-Auguste LeBourg and were produced in different models, this largest model, at nearly 7 feet, being the most common. The drinking fountains were a great aesthetic success, and they are recognized worldwide as one of the symbols of Paris. A Wallace Fountain resides outside the Wallace Collection gallery in London which houses works of art collected by Sir Richard Wallace and the first four Marquesses of Hertford. Sources: Wikipedia Google Arts & Culture
LOCATION: intersection of Westwood Blvd. and Broxton Avenue, Westwood Village, Los Angeles, California, USA
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