The Origins Of Fountains

Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for creating it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to beautify their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome

The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. The creation of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.

Modern fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.

Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Numerous Designs on the Market

Depending on your needs, you can select from mounted or freestanding types. Small, self-contained models can be hung on a wall are called mounted wall fountains. One of the most important features of wall fountains is that they be lightweight, so they are normally made of fiberglass or resin to mirror the look of stone. In large stand-alone fountains, otherwise referred to as wall fountains, the basin is located on the ground with the smooth side positioned against a wall. Typically composed of cast stone, this kind of water feature is not restricted in weight.

It is a good idea to integrate a custom-made fountain into a new or existing wall, something often suggested by landscape professionals. Installing the basin against the wall and installing all the plumbing work requires a professional mason to do it correctly. It is also essential to add a spout or fountain mask to build it into the wall. The cohesive look provided by custom-made wall fountains make them appear to be part of the scenery rather than an afterthought.