|
For centuries, sundials have been used to mark the passage
of time while reminding us of the rhythms of our universe. while modern day
timepieces have long since replaced the practical usefulness of the sundial,
there is a sense of earthen nostalgia that makes sundials appropriate as
functional garden accents.
It is not known
when the sundial was invented, or what people invented it. Sundials can be found
in many ancient civilizations, including the Babylonian, Greek, Egyptian, and
Roman ages.
The oldest record
of the sundial can be found in the Bible as it is alluded to in Job 7:2 "as a
servant earnestly desireth the shadow," and the miracle of the sundial of Ahaz
is often quoted and referred to.
Sundials exist in
most countries, in various forms, differing in construction according to the
knowledge of the age in astronomy and mathematics, and showing clearly at
different periods in the history of a race evidence of influence by other
civilizations with greater knowledge. Sundials are also abundant in the far East
such as China and Japan, but not as much history of these is known to the
Western world.
The oldest
known dials at present are those of Grecian origin, and for the most part are of
the hemicyclean form invented by the Chaldean Berosus, who lived about 340 B.C.
The earliest known sundials in England are those of Saxon origin found on some
of the oldest churches.
Today we
introduce the sundial into our gardens more for an ornament than from any wish
to add it to a timekeeper, and it is the love of the antique that causes old
dials to change ownership and to be set up at new sites. The marked interest
that has been taken in the sundial during recent years shows it has still a
great future before it. If, then, age can add to its value, and yet in nowise
impair its reliability, who will be without such a garden ornament that gives
also a gentle touch to what is already a beautiful possession?
Whitehall commemorates this ancient clock, which has
survived the test of time, by offering an elegant collection of uniquely styled
sundials. Each piece is crafted from rust-free recycled aluminum and carefully
finished with weather-resistant paints to withstand any climate.
From Galilean styles to combination sundial/birdbaths,
Whitehall's variety is unmatched in the marketplace.
|
