Where did Large Garden Fountains Begin?
Where did Large Garden Fountains Begin? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the area. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or jet high into the air.
Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Roman fountains often depicted images of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens 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 norm 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 decorative. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The Father Of Roman Water Feature Design And Style
The Father Of Roman Water Feature Design And Style In Rome’s city center, there are many celebrated public fountains. One of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, nearly all of them were designed, conceived and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also a city designer, he had skills as a fountain designer, and traces of his life's work are evident throughout the avenues of Rome. Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved to Rome, in order to fully express their art, primarily in the form of public water fountains and water features.
The young Bernini earned compliments from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an exceptional worker. His sculpture was initially his claim to celebrity. He made use of his knowledge and melded it effortlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most serious impact on him, both personally and professionally.
Keeping Your Outdoor Water fountain Clean
Keeping Your Outdoor Water fountain Clean Proper care and regular upkeep are important to the longevity of water fountains. Leaves, twigs, and bugs often find their way into fountains, so it is vital to keep yours free from such things. On top of that, algae can be a problem, as sunshine hitting the water allows it to form easily. Mix hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular dilemma. Another option is to mix bleach into the water, but this action can hurt wild animals and so should really be avoided.No more than 3-4 months should go by without an extensive cleaning of a fountain.
The first step is to get rid of all of the water. Then use mild soap and a soft sponge to clean the innner part of the reservoir. Feel free to use a toothbrush if needed for any smaller crevasses. Do not leave any soap deposits in or on the fountain.
Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and washing the inside carefully. To make it less strenuous, soak it in vinegar overnight before cleaning. If you want to minimize build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water rather than tap water, as these don’t contain any ingredients that will stick to the inside of the pump.
And finally, make sure the water level is always full in order to keep your fountain working optimally. Allowing the water level to get too low can cause damage to the pump - and you certainly don't want that!