Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from?

Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Residents of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini depictions of 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. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.

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 decorative. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational activities.

What Are Outdoor Water fountains Made From?

Presently, copper is extremely common for sculptural garden fountains. Copper is used in cascade and tabletop water fountains as well as various other styles, making it perfect for inside and outside fountains. Copper fountains also come in a wide array of designs - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.

If your style is more old-fashioned, a brass water fountain might be ideal for you. Although it is not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are mostly made of brass, thus making them very popular.

Of all the metals, stainless steel is viewed as the most contemporary-looking. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and improve the overall ambiance. As with any type of fountain, they are available in many sizes.

Because it is both lighter and more affordable than metal but has a comparable look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. It is simple to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are trendy.

"Primitive" Greek Artistry: Large Statuary