The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Gardens
The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Gardens Anglo-Saxons experienced incredible modifications to their day-to-day lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. Architecture and gardening were attributes that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. But yet there was no time for home life, domesticated design, and decoration until the Normans had conquered the whole region. Most often designed upon windy summits, castles were basic structures that enabled their occupants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings commonly placed in only the most fecund, extensive valleys. The bare fortresses did not provide for the calm avocation of farming. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is symbolized in Berkeley Castle, which is conceivably the most untouched example we have. The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time period. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an impediment to assailants wanting to excavate under the castle walls. On one of these parapets is a scenic bowling green covered in grass and surrounded by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.The Beautiful First Masterpieces by Bernini
The Beautiful First Masterpieces by Bernini
One can see Bernini's earliest masterpiece, the Barcaccia water fountain, at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. This spot continues to be filled with Roman locals and tourists who enjoy exchanging gossip or going over the day's news. Today, the city streets around Bernini's water fountain are a trendy area where people go to gather, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. In about 1630, the great master built the first fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. Illustrated in the fountain's design is a large ship gradually sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. According to 16th century texts, a great flood of the Tevere covered the entire area in water, an event which was memorialized by the tremendous fountain. In what became his only prolonged absence from Italy, Bernini {journeyed | traveled] to France in 1665.
Where did Landscape Fountains Originate from?
Where did Landscape Fountains Originate from? A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain.
Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini variations 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 exercise his power over nature. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Decorating city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the purposes of modern-day fountains.
The Many Construction Materials of Fountains
The Many Construction Materials of Fountains While today’s garden fountains are made in a variety of materials, most are made from metal. Metals tend to produce clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any style or budget. It is essential that your landscape reflects the style of your home. Presently, copper is very prevalent for sculptural garden fountains. Copper fountains are the ideal option because they are perfect for the inside and outside. Another benefit of copper fountains is they are versatile and come in a wide variety of styles.
Brass water fountains are also common, though they tend to have a more traditional look than copper ones. Brass fountains are often designed with interesting artwork, so they are popular even if they are a bit conventional.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is recognized as the most modern -looking. A modern steel design will quickly boost the value of your garden as well as the feeling of peacefulness. As with most fountains, they are available in numerous sizes.
Fiberglass is a widely used material for fountains because you can get the look and feel of metal at a much lower price, and it is lighter and easier to move than metal. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working properly is quite easy, another aspect consumers like.