The Origins of Modern Wall Fountains
The Origins of Modern Wall Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a learned man, ruled the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of ancient classical Greek documents into Latin. He undertook the embellishment of Rome to make it into the worthy capital of the Christian world. At the bidding of the Pope, the Aqua Vergine, a damaged aqueduct which had carried clean drinking water into Rome from eight miles away, was reconditioned starting in 1453. The ancient Roman tradition of marking the entry point of an aqueduct with an magnificent celebratory fountain, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. The present-day location of the Trevi Fountain was previously occupied by a wall fountain commissioned by the Pope and constructed by the architect Leon Battista Alberti. The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually enabled it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.Keeping Your Outdoor Water fountain Tidy
Keeping Your Outdoor Water fountain Tidy Water fountains will last a long time with regular cleaning and maintenance. It is easy for foreign objects to find their way into outside fountains, so keeping it clean is vital. Also, algae has a tendency to build up wherever natural light meets water.
To avoid this, take vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or sea salt and add straight into the water. Bleach can also be mixed into the water, however this is not the ideal option because it can sicken birds or other animals. Experts suggest that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scrubbing every three-four months. Before you can start washing it you should drain out all of the water. When you have done this, wash inside the water reservoir with a mild detergent. If there is delicate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Do not leave any soap deposits in or on the fountain.
It is highly suggested taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and get rid of any plankton or calcium. Letting it soak in vinegar for a couple of hours first will make it much easier to clean. Build-up can be a big hassle, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to reduce this dilemma.
And finally, make sure the water level is consistently full in order to keep your fountain operating optimally. Allowing the water to reach below the pump’s intake level, can cause serious damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!
Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Roots
Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Roots 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 complete your home.Pure practicality was the original role of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs nearby.
Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for building it. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains built at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. The introduction of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.