I thought it was time to do a Shadow Shot Sunday post. This magnificent creature is something I've been meaning to blog about for absolutely ages but have been saving for a rainy day. Well, it is very rainy today so I thought why not?
It is a large and lovely griffin that is part of a pair that sit either side of Sir Henry Parkes Drive very close to the Paddington entrance of the Centennial Parklands. Originally these Villeroy and Boch beasties were installed in the 1890s but over the years they deteriorated and were eventually removed in 1971 and stored for safe keeping in the parks storehouse. Then later in the early 2000s a fund was started to raise money to restore them and they were returned to the gardens in 2005.
Apparently, they are not technically griffins at all but something called a ‘gryphonic’. A proper griffin apparently has the face, beak, talons and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. As you can see, these beauties have mainly lionesque features.
In the Centennial Parkland's website they explain:
"The eagle parts of the griffin represented the saints with their thoughts, aspirations and souls lifted towards God. Its lion half stood for their courage in the arena and in the continuing struggle against sin, evil, and the Devil. Because of the griffin’s strength and powers of sight, it was believed to guard hidden treasures."
I think they are gorgeous and I always admire them when I walk through the gardens on my Sunday constitutional walk.
By the way, Shadow Shot Sunday is a fabulous meme that is hosted by the lovely Tracey of Hey Harriet! If you'd like to join in, all you have to do is go here and read the instructions!
A lion with wings seems an awesome being - whether for real, in myth or even concrete. The even more impressive appendages are the wings, what could be more awesome than a griffin? Nicely captured, the sun and shadow adds quite an aura to this guy!
Posted by: Ralph | August 14, 2011 at 09:51 AM
Love the shadows on the griffins! Well, truth be told, I love both shadows and images of griffins. :)
Posted by: EG Wow | August 14, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Thank you for introducing us to Mr. Magnificent Griffin!
IF SHADOWS
If shadows could jump,
How high would they go?
As high as the moon?
Does anyone know?
If shadows could weep,
How long would they cry?
As long as it takes
To climb to the sky?
If shadows could laugh
And tell funny jokes
Would you take them home
And say, “Get this, folks!”?
If shadows could wed,
Would they prefer you
Or somebody else
To promise, “I do”?
© 2011 Magical Mystical Teacher
Posted by: Magical Mystical Teacher | August 14, 2011 at 11:14 AM
That's quite a sculpture! Certainly not something I'd like to bump into in the middle of the night!
Raining in Sydney today? Well that just isn't right. It should not rain on weekends! There should be some kind of rule put in place for that :)
PS - Yes the surrealism exhibition is amazing Sam and well worth a trip to Brissy for! I think it's on for about another month, so plenty of time to book your flight! xo
Posted by: Tracy | August 14, 2011 at 06:55 PM
Wow, that's cool! He looks very large and confident.
Posted by: emily | August 15, 2011 at 12:23 AM