There are so many different types and sizes of fountain and other water features that it can be difficult to know which one will suit your purpose and backdrop best. With this in mind we sought the advice of garden designer Rachel Bebb, founder of The Garden Gallery in Broughton, Stockbridge who holds regular sculpture exhibitions. She represents about 50 contemporary artists (including Neil Wilkin and Rebecca Newnham who both feature here) creating garden sculptures and other works of art.
“Water adds a new dimension to a garden,”
Rachel explains.
“It plays with the light, cools and refreshes on hot days, and offers sanctuary to wildlife. Some sculptures, for example those made of glass, lend themselves to being placed in water. The medium of glass harmonises effortlessly with water, reflecting the light and nearby plants and trees, and adding sparkle on sunny, frosty mornings. Whether kiln-formed, blown or bonded, glass withstands harsh weather conditions and is easy to care for. They work particularly well in modern, contemporary- style settings.”
Rachel advises that fountains can be sited in pools or be self-contained if space is tight or there are small children to consider.
“Freestanding fountain sculptures can create the sound of running water in tiny gardens, courtyards, conservatories or a ‘room’ in a large garden,
“Stone sculptures in water demand simple but strong planting schemes to set off the hues of the stone, whether white marble from Italy or a soft English sandstone.
“When choosing a water sculpture or fountain, consider the scale in relation to the setting, the aspect – is there plenty of sunlight to play on glass, for example? Bear in mind that the sound of running water can be intrusive so make sure the pump has an adjustable flow. Select plants to complement the piece, which in turn should enhance the planting scheme. Remember that the patina on bronze will change over time. Above all, buy because you have fallen in love with your water sculpture of choice!”
Magnificent Magnolia (Above)
Commissioned for a different private lake on the same Yorkshire estate, Magnolia is two metres in diameter and rises 1.2 metres above the water. The fibreglass form is anchored and floats within a diameter. The whole sculpture has a central keel and is weighted to float at the correct height.
£11,970 / €13,900 / $14,630 + VAT
Crystal Clear
The history of this fabulous water feature dates back to 1937 when René Lalique designed a fountain for the entrance to the Pavillon of Ceramic and Glass at the Exposition International des Arts et Techniques. It showed a fish leaping from a pool of pearls. In 1991, this magnificent creation was presented to the public by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris at an exhibition paying homage to the genius of René Lalique. Now Lalique offers this classic and iconic, clear crystal Poisson fountain (which can be viewed on display at the art deco entrance of the Savoy hotel in London and at the original Lalique Museum in Alsace amongst other places). Each piece is bespoke to create a true work of art.
£120,000 / €139,380 / $146,660
www.ipmag.link/2ozdZ3Z
Out of The Blue
Since graduating in 1981, Neil Wilkin has used his skills to produce exquisite glass creations such as the two stunning fountains shown here. He can also make bespoke fountains to order. This fountain features no less than 48 blue solid glass curls. Approximately one metre in diameter, it can be installed either indoors or outside and suits both traditional and contemporary settings.
£21,000 / €24,400 / $25,665 + VAT
www.ipmag.link/2nEEIwt
Seeing Red
Suitable for internal or external use, Neil’s Liliput fountain is approximately 60cms in diameter and has 24 solid glass curls – 12 of which are clear while the remaining 12 are red.
£9,000 / €10,455 / $11,000
Bespoke at Buxmead
Award-winning sculptor and designer, David Harber, has been making contemporary and classical art from his Oxfordshire studio for two decades. He re-imagined one of his best known and loved designs, the Mantle, especially for Buxmead, a prestigious residential development in The Bishops Avenue, London. Inspired by the leaves in paintings by MC Esher and referencing materials featured in the communal areas of the development, the bespoke Mantle is a play on mass and void, of random organic shapes creating a perfect geometric form. The piece at Buxmead has bespoke petals shaped like the development’s logo, whereas the original Mantle design has more leaf-shaped petals as standard. Smaller versions and different finishes are also available.
£22,848 / €26,550 / $27,930 for a 120cm sculpture in bronze and gold leaf
www.ipmag.link/2ooJA61
Symbol of Wisdom
Rebecca Newnham FRBS studied at the Royal College of Art and has work in three museums and many private collections. She first exhibited in Salisbury Cathedral in 2010 and is now co-curating ‘Reflection’ which includes her own work as well as that of eight other artists who specialise in glass artistry. Symbolising wisdom and regeneration, Rebecca’s Blue Lotus fountain is one metre tall including its glass aggregate plinth. The structure is fibreglass with a blue, hand-painted glass skin, while an aperture in the centre allows for the fountain water jet or a light. £11,970 / €13,900 / $14,630 + VAT
Magnificent magnolia Commissioned for a different private lake on the same Yorkshire estate, Magnolia is two metres in diameter and rises 1.2 metres above the water. The fibreglass form is anchored and floats within a diameter. The whole sculpture has a central keel and is weighted to float at the correct height.
£11,970 / €13,900 / $14,630 + VAT
On the Right Wavelength
Rebecca’s 15 metre floating sculptural installation ‘Wave’ was commissioned for a lake in Yorkshire. Its design concept is about the increasing amount of invisible information which surrounds us such as phone signals and TV frequencies. Wave is made from red fibreglass with a concealed stainless steel structure and weights to ensure the buoyant sculpture floats at the desired height. These weights ensure the structure rights itself however strong the wind or water current. The sections are chained together and anchored at either end to allow the wind to draw the sculpture into different curves.
£48,000 / €55,770 / $58,670 + VAT
