Hord Exhibit ~ Public Works ~ Complete works ~ Chronology

Guardian of Water

In July of 1937, a 22 ton block of granite from a quarry near Lakeside was delivered to Hord's studio. The block was over twelve feet tall. It would be used for the fountain figure Guardian of Water - his most important work for the Federal Art Project. Hord made two models.

Although assisted by two helpers, Hord alone did all of the detail work on the figure. The scupture depicts a pioneer woman holding a jug of Southern California's most precious resource.

Five men who worked on the sculpture (from left to right): Martin H. Yehawine (blacksmith) Homer Dana (assistant) Donal Hord (sculptor) George Baker (assistant) William Crosthwaite (blacksmith)

After nearly two years of labor, Guardian of Water was dedicated on June 10, 1939, on the harbor side of the City-County Administration Building. Hord designed the mosaic on the drum under the figure, and also carved the frieze around the base which was cast in an aggregate made of the chips from the figure. When assembled, the overall height of the fountain was 23 feet. Sculptors with model and unfinished work. (from left to right): Homer Dana, Donal Hord, George Baker