The Origins Of Fountains

The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Residents of urban areas, 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. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or jet high into the air. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. 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.

Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.

Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.

Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Numerous Styles on the Market

Mounted and stand-alone fountains are available on the market. You can hang a mounted wall fountain because they are little and self-contained. One of the most important features of wall fountains is that they be light, so they are normally made of fiberglass or resin to replicate the look of stone. Large-sized free-standing wall fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, have their basins positioned on the floor and a flat side leaning on a wall. Normally made of cast stone, these water features have no weight constraints.

It is a good idea to incorporate a custom-made fountain into a new or existing wall, something often recommended by landscape professionals. A skilled mason is required to place the water basin against the wall and correctly install all the plumbing inside or behind the wall. The wall will need to have a spout or fountain mask built into it. A custom-built wall fountain blends into the landscape instead of standing out because it was a later addition, which contributes to a cohesive appearance.