Where did Fountains Come From?

The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Residents of urban areas, 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. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for creating it. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models 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. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.

Urban fountains created at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.

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

The Attraction of Simple Garden Decor: The Wall fountain

Stone and metal are most common elements used to make garden wall fountains even though they can be made of other materials as well. The most suitable material for your fountain depends completely on the design you choose. It is best to look for exterior wall fountains which are easy to install, hand-crafted and lightweight. The water feature you choose needs to be simple to maintain as well. The re-circulating pump and hanging hardware are normally the only parts which need additional care in most installations, although there may be some cases in which the setup is a bit more complex. You can relax knowing your garden can be easily enlivened by putting in this type of fountain.