The Myriad Reasons to Add a Fountain
The Myriad Reasons to Add a Fountain
Putting in a wall water feature is your best solution for a little patio area because a spouting or cascading fountain occupies too much space. Either a stand-alone fountain with an even back and an attached basin placed against a fence or a wall, or a wall-mounted style which is self-contained and hangs on a wall, are some of the options from which you can choose. Both a fountain mask placed on the existing wall as well as a basin located at the bottom to collect the water are necessary if you wish to include a fountain. The plumbing and masonry work necessary for this kind of job requires training, so it is best to hire a skilled person rather than do it yourself.
Where did Garden Water Fountains Come From?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Come From?
The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.