2011 University of Sydney #11
Gargoyles are one of the most notable features of Gothic architecture. These winged beasts and frightening monsters are found on the outside of many Gothic structures.
A "gargoyle" is an unusual, fantastic, mythical or eerie carved creature that serves as a waterspout or drain, and is used to drain water from a building. A trough is cut in the back of the gargoyle and rainwater typically exits through the open mouth. It is usually an elongated and long-necked animal because the length of the gargoyle determines how far water is thrown from the wall. Superstition held that gargoyles frightened away evil spirits while serving their practical function.
Similar carved creatures that do not act as waterspouts or drains and are for decorative purposes only are called "grotesques". However, in modern terminology the term "gargoyle" has come to be used for both functional and non-functional forms of this form of sculpture.
The gargoyles in the University of Sydney Quadrangle are mostly found high up on walls, towers and turrets from the Great Hall round to the Western Tower via the cloister. While some of the University's gargoyles fulfil the drainpipe function, most are purely decorative.
From University of Sydney website.
From Wikipedia:
"The University of Sydney (informally Sydney University or USyd) is a university located in Sydney, Australia. It is the oldest university in Australia, having been established in 1850.
The main campus is centered on large Oxbridge-inspired grounds which spread across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the south-western outskirts of the Sydney CBD. The architect Edmund Blacket designed the original Neogothic sandstone Quadrangle and Great Tower buildings, which were completed in 1862."
2011 University of Sydney #11
Gargoyles are one of the most notable features of Gothic architecture. These winged beasts and frightening monsters are found on the outside of many Gothic structures.
A "gargoyle" is an unusual, fantastic, mythical or eerie carved creature that serves as a waterspout or drain, and is used to drain water from a building. A trough is cut in the back of the gargoyle and rainwater typically exits through the open mouth. It is usually an elongated and long-necked animal because the length of the gargoyle determines how far water is thrown from the wall. Superstition held that gargoyles frightened away evil spirits while serving their practical function.
Similar carved creatures that do not act as waterspouts or drains and are for decorative purposes only are called "grotesques". However, in modern terminology the term "gargoyle" has come to be used for both functional and non-functional forms of this form of sculpture.
The gargoyles in the University of Sydney Quadrangle are mostly found high up on walls, towers and turrets from the Great Hall round to the Western Tower via the cloister. While some of the University's gargoyles fulfil the drainpipe function, most are purely decorative.
From University of Sydney website.
From Wikipedia:
"The University of Sydney (informally Sydney University or USyd) is a university located in Sydney, Australia. It is the oldest university in Australia, having been established in 1850.
The main campus is centered on large Oxbridge-inspired grounds which spread across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the south-western outskirts of the Sydney CBD. The architect Edmund Blacket designed the original Neogothic sandstone Quadrangle and Great Tower buildings, which were completed in 1862."