The Origins Of Wall Fountains
The Origins Of Wall Fountains
From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the artist. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. 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 intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. 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 entered the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Modern fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The Distribution of Garden Water Fountains Manufacturing Knowledge in Europe
The Distribution of Garden Water Fountains Manufacturing Knowledge in Europe Dissiminating practical hydraulic information and water fountain design ideas throughout Europe was accomplished with the published documents and illustrated books of the time. In the later part of the 1500's, a French water fountain developer (whose name has been lost) was the internationally renowned hydraulics innovator. With imperial commissions in Brussels, London and Germany, he began his work in Italy, building expertise in garden design and grottoes with integrated and imaginative water features.