Contemporary Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings

Pure functionality was the original purpose of fountains. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of 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. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. 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 enrich recreational and entertainment events.