Monumental 1920s Malibu Tile Fountain With Rare Gladding, McBean Figural Spitter

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An Irreplaceable Masterwork – No Comparable Example Exists

This extraordinary fountain is a museum-level, completely irreplaceable installation, composed entirely of … Read more An Irreplaceable Masterwork – No Comparable Example Exists

This extraordinary fountain is a museum-level, completely irreplaceable installation, composed entirely of authentic 1920s Malibu Pottery tile and centered by a rare figural spitter by Gladding, McBean. Every element has been thoughtfully assembled to honor the original artistry of California’s golden age of decorative tile and architectural ornament.

The fountain’s centerpiece is a stunning glazed female figure, executed in a luminous turquoise glaze, seated in a poised, sensual posture. Water originates discreetly from the back of the figure, flowing forward and cascading gracefully across the body and into the basin—an effect that is both sculptural and theatrical. This sculptural spitter exemplifies the refined craftsmanship for which Gladding, McBean is celebrated, and examples of this quality are virtually unobtainable today.

Surrounding the figure is a fully tiled basin constructed entirely of original Malibu Pottery tiles, dating to the 1920s. The palette—soft blues, floral polychromes, and geometric accents—is unmistakably Malibu, reflecting the firm’s Spanish Revival and Mediterranean influences. These tiles were never mass-produced in modern terms; each was hand-crafted, kiln-fired, and glazed, resulting in subtle variations that give the fountain depth, warmth, and authenticity impossible to replicate.

An additional and highly desirable feature of this fountain is its modular construction. The original 1920s Malibu Pottery tiles are not permanently set, allowing the configuration to be fully customizable. The layout may be adjusted, expanded, or reimagined to suit a specific space or architectural vision, offering remarkable flexibility while preserving the integrity and authenticity of the historic materials. This adaptability makes the installation as practical as it is rare—capable of evolving with its future setting without sacrificing provenance or artistry.


This is not a reproduction, assemblage of later tiles, or a decorative homage. It is a true historic composition, made only possible through decades of salvage, curation, and expert assembly. Malibu Pottery tile of this caliber is increasingly scarce, and complete fountains of this scale and cohesion have effectively vanished from the market.

The price reflects reality—not aspiration.
Calling the value “high” is an understatement. This fountain is irreplaceable. There is no second example available at any price, anywhere in the world. Once placed, it will not be duplicated, re-created, or found again.

Ideal for a grand courtyard, estate garden, interior atrium, or collector-level installation, this fountain is as much a work of art as it is an architectural artifact. It represents the pinnacle of early California tile work and stands as a testament to a period when beauty, craftsmanship, and permanence were paramount.


In over three decades of architectural salvage and historic tile specialization, we have never encountered another Malibu Pottery fountain of this completeness, scale, and artistic unity—nor do we expect to again. See less