This is one of two mythical Griffin sculptures located in Centennial Park, in the eastern suburbs. The griffins guard each side of Parkes Drive, the main entry road leading down from Paddington Gates. The original statues, installed in the 1890s, were manufactured by Villeroy and Boch and made of ceramic. They had eroded and were missing details by the time they were removed in 1971. The restored sculptures were reinstated in 2005 on the same on sandstone plinths. Although referred to as griffins, these sculptures are actually a "gryphonic" hybrid because true griffins have the face, beak, talons and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. The other Griffin can be seen here.
Looks like a lion/tiger like creature with wings !
ReplyDeletehow wonderful that these "gryphonics" were recreated and reinstated on their bases!
ReplyDeleteNow I know where the producers of Harry Potter got some of there ideas from.
ReplyDeletePowerful statue
ReplyDeleteA sentinel that looks a tad scary to me. Is guarding the way or trying to scare visitors away? :))
ReplyDeleteEG Wow, I think it was meant to be a little bit intimidating but think some young children could be scared if they got up close.
ReplyDeleteGriffins fascinate me to the point that I had one tattooed on me.
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ReplyDeleteD.
Very impressive.
ReplyDeleteMakes me think of Harry Potter.
ReplyDeleteAn unusual creature Jim... I agree it might appear a bit scary at night
ReplyDeleteNice shot, Jim. Here's a 4,000 year-old griffin form the fresco of Knossos in Crete:
ReplyDeletehttp://jchatoff.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/knossos_fresco_in_throne_palace.jpg