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We
commissioned Rinaldo, a Frenchman, well-known for his production
of automatons, to create a water carrier for us. (www.rpcom.automates).
This water carrier, which moves its eyes and head has become a particular
attraction for adults as well as children, who are often in awe of this
tall chap standing near one of the fountains in the Water and Fountain
Museum. These big fellows had to deliver their buckets of water to upper storeys as well as on the ground floor, and often in narrow staircases which were pitch-dark. The two buckets, equally balanced, were held by a wide yoke which passed around the back of the neck, and held the buckets away from the legs. The average content of the two buckets was between 20 and 25 litres and was priced at six half-farthings. This corporation, for that is what it was, quarrelled constantly with people who used street fountains, and often forbade them access by using threats. When a group of water carriers surrounded one or other fountain, it didn't do to try your luck! In fact it was lucky if it didn't end in a punch-up! They stocked up on
water from fountains, but more often from rivers where the flow was more
regular and abundant, by filling small barrels on wheels which they could
push or pull.
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