Contemporary Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings

The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for creating it. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome

The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.

Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.

What Are Outdoor Fountains Made From?

One of the most common metals for sculptural garden fountains presently is copper. Copper fountains are the ideal option because they are perfect for the inside and outside. Copper fountains also come in a huge array of styles - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.

Also common, brass fountains generally have a more old-fashioned style to them versus their copper counterpart. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite widespread because they often incorporate interesting artwork.

The most stylish metal right now is probably stainless steel. For an instantaneous increase in the value and serenity of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. As with all fountains, you can get any size you need.

Fiberglass fountains are widespread because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much easier to move around. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working well is quite effortless, another aspect consumers love.