The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. 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. Used until the 19th 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. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. 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

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 ornamental. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.

These days, fountains adorn public areas and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

What Are Outdoor Garden Fountains Crafted From?

A popular choice today is copper, and it is used in the making of many sculptural garden fountains. Copper fountains are the best choice because they are perfect for the inside and outside. Another benefit of copper fountains is they are versatile and come in a wide range of styles.

If you are drawn to more traditional -looking water fountains, brass is probably for you. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite popular because they often incorporate interesting artwork.

The most modern metal right now is definitely stainless steel. For an immediate increase in the value and serenity of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. Like other water features, they come in a variety of sizes.

For people who want the visual appeal of a metal fountain but want a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working well is quite simple, another aspect consumers love.