Contemporary Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Beginnings
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Beginnings A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.
From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley meant to serve as functional elements. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the area. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin 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 adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. 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 superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
What Are Outdoor Fountains Created From?
What Are Outdoor Fountains Created From? Though they come in different materials, modern garden fountains tend to be made of metal. Metallic models offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and will fit in with nearly any decorative style and budget.
Your landscaping should complement the style of your residence. 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 either inside or outside - making it a great choice. If you decide to go with copper, your fountain can be any style from fun and whimsical to modern.
If your style is more traditional, a brass water fountain might be perfect for you. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite common because they often incorporate interesting artwork.
Most folks today see stainless steel as the most modern option. For an instant increase in the value and peacefulness of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. Just like other water features, they come in an array of sizes.
For people who want the visual appeal of a metal fountain but desire a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. It is simple to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are trendy.