The Results of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens
The Results of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens The arrival of the Normans in the second half of the eleventh century greatly transformed The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. The Normans were better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But before focusing on home-life or having the occasion to contemplate domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire society. Most often constructed upon windy peaks, castles were basic constructs that allowed their inhabitants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings frequently added in only the most fecund, broad valleys. The bare fortresses did not provide for the peaceful avocation of gardening. Berkeley Castle is most likely the most unchanged model in existence nowadays of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture.
The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time. A big terrace recommended for strolling and as a way to stop attackers from mining under the walls runs about the building. On 1 of these terraces sits a stylish bowling green: it's coated in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is formed into the shape of rough ramparts.
The Myriad Reasons to Include a Wall Fountain
The Myriad Reasons to Include a Wall Fountain A great way to enhance the appeal of your outdoor living area is to add a wall fountain or an exterior garden fountain to your landscaping or garden layout.
Any number of current designers and fountain artisans have found inspiration in the fountains and water features of the past. As such, the effect of integrating one of these to your interior decor bridges it to past times. The water and moisture garden fountains release into the environment draws birds and other creatures, and also balances the ecosystem, all of which contribute to the benefits of including one of these beautiful water features. Birds drawn to a fountain or bird bath often scare away irksome flying invaders, for instance. Putting in a wall fountain is your best solution for a little backyard because a spouting or cascading fountain takes up too much space. You can choose to set up a stand-alone fountain with a flat back and an connected basin propped against a fence or wall in your backyard, or a wall-mounted type which is self-contained and suspended from a wall. Make certain to include a fountain mask to an existing wall and a basin to collect the water at the base if you wish to add a fountain to your living area. The plumbing and masonry work necessary for this kind of job requires training, so it is best to hire a skilled person rather than go at it yourself.
Statues As a Staple of Vintage Art in Historic Greece
Statues As a Staple of Vintage Art in Historic Greece Archaic Greeks were renowned for providing the first freestanding statuary; up till then, most carvings were made out of walls and pillars as reliefs. Kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks, made up the bulk of the statues. The kouroi, viewed as by the Greeks to portray beauty, had one foot stretched out of a rigid forward-facing pose and the male figurines were regularly nude, with a strong, powerful build. In about 650 BC, the differences of the kouroi became life-sized. A significant era of transformation for the Greeks, the Archaic period introduced about newer forms of government, expressions of art, and a greater comprehension of people and cultures outside of Greece. Throughout this time and other periods of historical tumult, encounters often occurred, among them wars fought amongst city-states such as the Arcadian wars and the Spartan invasion of Samos.
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes. Pure functionality was the original purpose of fountains. 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. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or shoot high into the air. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful 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 build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the purposes of modern-day fountains.