The Effect of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Gardens
The Effect of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Gardens The Anglo-Saxon way of life was significantly changed by the arrival of the Normans in the later eleventh century.
At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. But yet there was no time for home life, domestic architecture, and decoration until the Normans had conquered the whole realm. Most often constructed upon windy summits, castles were basic structures that allowed their occupants to spend time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings frequently placed in only the most fecund, broad valleys. The sterile fortresses did not provide for the calm avocation of gardening. Berkeley Castle, perhaps the most unspoiled style of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture, still exists in the present day. The keep is rumored to have been created during the time of William the Conqueror. As a technique of deterring assailants from tunneling underneath the walls, an immense terrace surrounds the building. On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and surrounded by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?
The incredible architecture of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to enhance your home. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Residents of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the nineteenth 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 the power of gravity. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of animals 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. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains built to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
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. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.
"Old School" Garden Fountain Designers
"Old School" Garden Fountain Designers Often working as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and cultivated scholars, all in one, fountain creators were multi-talented individuals from the 16th to the late 18th century. Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance artist, was renowned as an inventive master, inventor and scientific expert. He carefully documented his experiences in his now renowned notebooks, after his tremendous interest in the forces of nature inspired him to examine the qualities and motion of water. Combining imaginativeness with hydraulic and landscaping mastery, early Italian fountain developers modified private villa settings into innovative water displays loaded with emblematic implications and natural elegance. The magnificence in Tivoli were provided by the humanist Pirro Ligorio, who was widely known for his capabilities in archeology, architecture and garden design. For the various properties close to Florence, other water feature creators were well versed in humanist themes as well as classical technical texts, masterminding the excellent water marbles, water highlights and water jokes.Gian Bernini's Water Fountains
Gian Bernini's Water Fountains There are numerous renowned fountains in Rome’s city center. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the best sculptors and artists of the 17th century designed, conceived and constructed almost all of them. Marks of his life's work are evident all through the avenues of Rome because, in addition to his abilities as a fountain creator, he was additionally a city builder. Bernini's father, a recognized Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they finally relocated in Rome, to fully exhibit their artwork in the form of community water fountains and water fountains. The young Bernini earned praise from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an diligent worker. He was initially celebrated for his sculpture. Working gracefully with Roman marble, he used a base of expertise in the ancient Greek architecture, most obviously in the Vatican. Although many artists had an impact on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.