The Origins Of Garden Fountains
The Origins Of Garden Fountains
The incredible construction 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. Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Roman fountains often depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion 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.
The end of the nineteenth 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 helped fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Modern fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens
The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens
The arrival of the Normans in the 2nd half of the eleventh century irreparably transformed The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. The Normans were better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But yet there was no time for home life, domestic design, and adornment until the Normans had conquered the whole realm. Most often designed upon windy peaks, castles were fundamental constructs that allowed their inhabitants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings commonly installed in only the most fecund, extensive valleys. Relaxing pursuits such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. Berkeley Castle is most likely the most intact model in existence at present of the early Anglo-Norman form of architecture. The keep is thought to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A massive terrace serves as a deterrent to intruders who would try to mine the walls of the building. A picturesque bowling green, covered in grass and bordered by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, makes one of the terraces.
The Godfather Of Roman Fountains
The Godfather Of Roman Fountains There are many popular water features in the city center of Rome. One of the most distinguished sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini planned, conceptualized and constructed almost all of them. His skills as a fountain creator and also as a city architect, are evident throughout the streets of Rome.
Ultimately moving to Rome to fully show their artwork, primarily in the shape of public water features, Bernini’s father, a distinguished Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. An excellent worker, the young Bernini received compliments and patronage of many popes and important designers. At the beginning he was known for his sculptural expertise. He used his expertise and melded it effortlessly with Roman marble, most significantly in the Vatican. He was influenced by many great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.
The Countless Construction Materials of Fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Fountains
Garden fountains these days are typically made from metal, though you can find them in other materials too. Metals tend to produce clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any design preference or budget. The interior design of your home should establish the look and feel of your yard and garden as well. A common choice today is copper, and it is used in the making of many sculptural garden fountains. Copper is appropriate for many fountain styles, including tabletop and cascade water fountains, and can be put inside or outside - making it a great choice. Copper is also flexible enough that you can select a range of styles for your fountain, from contemporary to whimsical.
Brass water fountains are also common, though they tend to have a more conventional look than copper ones. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite popular because they often incorporate interesting artwork.
The most stylish metal right now is probably stainless steel. For an instant increase in the value and serenity of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. Just like other water features, they come in an array of sizes.
Fiberglass is a popular material for fountains because you can get the look and feel of metal at a much lower price, and it is lightweight and easier to move than metal. It is not complicated to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are popular.