A Paris Icon

A Paris Icon

Perhaps the most recognisable gargoyles are those adorning Notre Dame, the cathedral of Our Lady, in Paris. Featured on the cover of Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is a dog-like, horned and beaked creature sitting on its haunches surveying the rooftops of...
Guardian Creatures in Stone

Guardian Creatures in Stone

In China and India elaborate carved lions and lion-dogs protect palaces, temples, government buildings and homes. Realistic, giant lions can be seen today, in London, guarding Westminster Bridge and Trafalgar square. In Hong Kong, two life sized bronze lions guard the...
Does this gargoyle look familiar?

Does this gargoyle look familiar?

If you think this gargoyle looks familiar you’re right. Although it resides on the 13th century Paisley Abbey, it is a replica of of the alien in the 1980s movie of the same name. Why? In 1991 twelve ancient, crumbling gargoyles were replaced. In the tradition of...