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 which were 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.
What could be more terrifying than a shadowy griffin?
ReplyDeleteVilleroy and Boch! Well I have some V&B pieces Jim, they don't look nearly as fearsome as this :)
ReplyDeleteThis mythical griffin is beautiful as it sits amongst the shadows. I'd feel quite secure with these lion-eagle hybrids protecting me!
ReplyDeleteWonderful art, and interesting info, Jim
ReplyDeleteI like it, but I've always enjoyed such things!
ReplyDeleteGreat grinning griffin!
ReplyDeleteTres cool Griffin!
ReplyDeletenice shadow shot
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Beautiful sculpture.
ReplyDeleteWOW! He is a massive sculpture Jim.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really cool statue. Thank you for linking in with "Through My Lens"
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Quite imposing, and quite cool!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll come drop by http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/03/spring-has-finally-sprung.html and link up.
what a fantastic statue..great shot!
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.photobymanka.se/
remarkable photo.
ReplyDelete