In ancient European gardens the central water supply, either a spring or a well, was treated in a decorative manner. Stone or masonry wellheads were often dominant features in patio and cloister gardens. Colorful tiles or elaborate stone carving might be applied to the wellhead. Later during the renaissance the capitals for ancient Roman columns would be used to create a wellhead that could evoke the feeling of the lost civilization of Rome.
Historically the well was the anchor of a homestead. In some traditional styles of architecture the building or house was built around the well with the wellhead occupying an outside court or atrium.
The well was the source of water for the dwelling and even when the water was not visible, the feeling of water was present. The wellhead became a focal point of the atrium and often became a sculptural element in the landscape.
Where fountains, ponds or other visible water is not desired due to maintenance or other concerns a dry wellhead can provide the feeling of water and a sculptural artifact which can provide an anchor to an atrium or outer courtyard.
