Fountain.

An artificially created jet or stream of water, a structure, often decorative, from which a jet or stream of water issues, or a spring, especially the source of a stream.

(From The American Heritage® Dictionary)

Even though fountains have been around since ancient times, I had not given them much thought until recently. I liked them. I’ve got fond memories, and some faded last-century photographs to prove that I’ve seen and enjoyed many fountains over the years! 🤣

Yet I never thought consciously about why we have them, how beautiful they are and certainly not why we should have them.

I suppose it’s easy in the 21st century to assume they lack importance and there’s an argument to be made when thinking solely in practical terms. Millennia ago, they were the focus of many communities who needed water for drinking, bathing and agriculture. Now most of us turn on a tap and receive water like magic (and gratefully).

Now the necessity for communities has passed, I still make the case for keeping up these landmarks. Initially simple and practical, over time, they became more beautiful and artistic, with the symbolism for the founts of water growing as well. They became more than community life-savers.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the best-known and classic examples. Completed in the mid 1700s, I sadly haven’t seen it in the flesh, yet it remains an elegant and, arguably, unmatched fountain in popularity and beauty. From its depiction of the Greek God Oceanus, to the “sea horses”, the lighting, and even the size of it.

I hope to see the magnificent Trevi one day, but this year I have a goal to visit some Brisbane fountains. I was born there and now live a couple of hours away. Expect pictures.😄

Meanwhile, I’ve just enjoyed several of Melbourne’s fountains, mainly around the Fitzroy Gardens. They feature in the following reel. (edit: I realised on 15/02/25 I’d added the wrong reel. Now updated. Enjoy)

I realised a couple of things while in Victoria thanks to several days of heatwave. First, the running water of a fountain really is cooling and refreshing.

The other thing is, not every fountain has to be a Trevi. The smaller ones that remain dotted around our cities and towns shouldn’t be overlooked nor underappreciated. In fact, I would make the case that it’s time to cherish them.

Some benefits to maintaining and promoting fountains in our cities and towns include:

Staying in touch with our history and backgrounds. They remind us of the vital provision of clean and safe water (public welfare links), worship (for some), and they can be symbols of our civilisation, values, and incredible achievements as humans
Getting in touch with nature within cities
The tranquility and harmonising sound of running water
Providing places for the community to congregate and enjoy
As reminders of renewal, restoration, and cleansing
For the beauty. Aesthetics remain important and, while it’s understandable and completely realistic that price enters decision-making processes, it’s a mistake to ignore investment in beautiful monuments and architecture. I think they help to connect us in a reverent, hopeful, and thought-provoking way
Fountains highlight how important water is to all of us. No matter what continent we live on, not one of us can live without water, and fountains can remind us of that
Cooling the environment and providing a refreshing place to spend time
I’m told that fountains also improve air quality by filtering and purifying the surrounding air
Through clever design, water fountains can be sustainable
Those designed in more natural styles can also provide and support ecosystems of vegetation and little creatures.

Ultimately, not every fountain must be big or expensive or intricate. Anything beautiful, with meaning or a story, or that adds to the community positively. That’s good stuff.

Don’t trust me on how wonderful fountains are. Visit some in your local area and see what you think. If you find some nice ones, please tell me about them in the comments (or even send me a pic). I’d love that.

Cheers, lovelies.

Morgan x 💝

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Fountains highlighted in the reel (in order):

Stanford Fountain c1870: https://citycollection.melbourne.vic.gov.au/stanford-fountain/

Diana and the Hounds 1940, https://citycollection.melbourne.vic.gov.au/diana-and-the-hounds/ Conservatory, Fitzroy Gardens

Garden style fountain within the Conservatory building

Conservatory Fountain (Aka Boy with Serpent or Ornamental Fountain) c1900, https://citycollection.melbourne.vic.gov.au/conservatory-fountain/ Conservatory, Fitzroy Gardens

Here’s a bonus reel from my day around the Fitzroy Gardens:

The beauty and benefits of Fountains⛲️

Not resistance