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Who Invented Wall Fountains?
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By Matt Iselin
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Wall fountains are also known as single face or fa?adefountains. It is not possible to ascribe the invention of wallfountains to an individual. However, it can be said withcertainty that wall fountains did not originate in the westernworld. The hot and dusty climes of the ancient Middle East ledto the development of garden and wall fountains. The ancientarchitects drew inspiration from the serene surroundings of theoases that dotted the desert landscape. Walls of ancientEgyptian tombs have sketches of gardens with fountains.
Wall fountains were placed both indoor and outdoors; althoughtheir objective was primarily decorative, they were also usedfor daily washings and ablutions. Another interesting use ofwall fountains was to prevent eavesdroppers from listening tosensitive conversations. The water speed could be manipulated toachieve different sounds such as trickles, gurgles, etc. Publicwater systems were usually the water-source for outdoor wallfountains.
The ancient Greeks and Romans too had wall fountains as anintrinsic part of their culture. The outdoor fountains hadmultiple tiers of basins on elaborately sculptured walls.However, only the wealthy could afford indoor fountains. Themost commonly used materials for wall fountains were rock,marble, bronze, limestone, etc. Gravity was used to power thefountains. In medieval Europe, wall fountains were found in thegardens in monasteries. Decorative masks added a visual appealand helped to conceal the plumbing. These wall fountains drewfrom Greco-Roman as well as Persian influences.
In the present times, wall fountains are popular with homeownersacross all economic segments. They are easily available, easy toinstall, and do not require any major maintenance. Wallfountains on decks and patios offer homeowners the opportunityof sitting back and relaxing to the soothing sounds of flowingwater. Some homeowners prefer to place a wall fountain alongtheir walkway.
Wall water fountains are available in a variety of designs thatcan create an ambience that can be either rustic orsophisticated. Stone wall fountains have been firm favoritesover the ages and continue to enamor enthusiasts with their feeland look that can encompass the range from earthy and antique todesigner contemporary.
Lion head waterfalls have been traditionally well accepted andthose crafted in antique stone style are an inexpensive andpopular wall fountain option even today. Steel wall fountainsare an alternative for those on the look-out for somethingcontemporary. The 100% stainless steel reflects the water toproduce a beautiful effect. Steel wall fountains are lightweightand do not stress the walls too much.
Wall fountains made from copper are extremely beautiful andhardy. They blend with any d¨Ścor and are available in a widevariety of sizes and styles. Among the various wall fountainmaterials, glass is a relative newcomer but is already verypopular. Frosted-, etched-, beveled-glass are some of the designoptions available with glass. Glass wall fountains are availablein different colors and can be combined with other materialssuch as wood to provide a unique look.
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