Modern Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings The dramatic or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to delivering drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source 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. Roman fountains often depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise.
To demonstrate his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden 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 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.
A Brief History of Early Water Features
A Brief History of Early Water Features Water fountains were originally practical in function, used to bring water from canals or creeks to towns and hamlets, providing the inhabitants with clean water to drink, bathe, and prepare food with. To produce water flow through a fountain until the later part of the 1800’s, and produce a jet of water, mandated the force of gravity and a water source such as a spring or reservoir, located higher than the fountain. Striking and impressive, big water fountains have been constructed as memorials in nearly all societies. Crude in style, the first water fountains did not look much like contemporary fountains. Crafted for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the initial fountains were basic carved stone basins.
2000 B.C. is when the oldest known stone fountain basins were used. The first civilizations that made use of fountains depended on gravity to drive water through spigots. These ancient fountains were built to be functional, often situated along reservoirs, creeks and waterways to provide drinking water. Creatures, Gods, and Spiritual figures dominated the very early ornate Roman fountains, beginning to appear in about 6 BC. A well-engineered system of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.