Gargoyle Guards of the Gardens and Walls
Gargoyles, once used to persuade pagan, non-Christians to convert to Catholicism and they provided a way of telling the story of and sharing the message of Christianity through images to non-readers although they are now used primarily to create whimsical décor and ornamentation. Lengthy documents explain the historical origins that evolved out of the Medieval times. They were combinations of half man, half beasts and representations of evil. They also predated the Medieval uses and were found in Ancient Egypt and Greece where they served as water spouts and architectural features on gutters for the conveyance of water. Today, some might be used to move water, but mostly they’re architectural features and whimsy. Beasts often used as Gargoyles included (then and now) lions, dogs, wolves, eagles, snakes/serpents, goats, and chimeras. They are categorized as gargoyles or grotesques. Today they appear in many ways, not just sculptures, and they represent a fascination with fantasy or architectural history. This guide looks at some ways you can integrate the use of gargoyles into your décor or into your garden.
Gargoyles have evolved with society
Jewelry, outdoor lights, cookie cutters, computers
N.E.W.S - The four gargoyle guardians
Catgoyles and Traditional Gargoyles
There are at least four gargoyles watching over my house. An impressive winged dog gargoyle made from cement actually hangs from the side of the house. It used to hang under the eves of my Victorian house and monitored the eastern view.
Catgoyle tracks the south view today, but used to have the western duty. This resin combination of gargoyle and large cat is much more contemporary in appearance. The muscular, fierce, and contemporary Catgoyle resin sculpture for outdoors and inside provides an unusual statement and interesting decor for your home - consider this if you enjoy Gothic Gargoyles.
Gaston the Gothic Gargoyle Climber Sculpture Not everyone appreciates Gargoyles but if you enjoy having them guard your house or garden, the details in Gaston the Gothic Gargoyle's face, claws and wings will impress you.
Roland the Gargoyle Sculptural Rainspout. Roland comes close to being an original design gargoyle. Many early gargoyles were used for the purpose of moving water off roof tops. This much smaller gargoyle adds a touch of fantasy to a garden but can shelter garden toads. I recommend him to anyone who enjoys a little whimsy in their garden.
My resin Florentine Gargoyle Statue always appeared to be ready to take flight, especially in strong winds. This was my first outdoor gargoyle and while he was strapped down (with chains) on a north-facing rooftop in a very windy climate, he did a fair amount of bouncing around on the windier days. The resin surface on this statue eventually wore off but I don't believe it was the fault of the manufacturer. I should have moved him inside over winter but I learned a lesson with this gargoyle.
Non-garden gargoyles
Books? There are books, of course, about gargoyles. The Little Books of Gargoyles is exactly that, little at six inches square, and about Gargoyles from the start of time. These grotesque (although so ugly they're cute) sculptures have a history and this book explains a little through text and photos.
For children, consider Jack Prelutsky's poem book Gargoyle on the Roof. The troll gets lonely, the werewolf needs a barber, and baby gargoyles won't go to bed. These are some fresh perspectives in Prelutsky's book of monster poems. Also consider a very adorable Gargoyle Puppet from Folkmanis. I've used mine as decor in bedrooms where you don't want a cement statue falling over on a unsuspecting sleeping child. Rooftop gargoyles can be friends indeed, as well as fun puppets for creative play. This charming Folkmanis puppet will probably never scare anyone or anything.
Gargoyles everywhere, especially around Halloween
He's only one of many guarding a Halloween Village display
A puppet, winged dog, and two computer gargoyles
Cheap styrofoam gargoyles can be found in party stores every October
My next, your next?
Incorporating gargoyles into the architecture of your house or into the style of your garden, especially Victorian houses and cottage gardens, creates opportunities to express yourself and to have fun. They are whimsical but also a part of our culture and history. If you doubt it, look around at important government buildings and older churches, look at Halloween decor. They're conspicuous in my Halloween Village. They're found guarding computers, as walking sticks, and on outdoor light fixtures. They're helping move water in fountains and down from roof lines. Gargoyle sculptures can be very small (two to three inches) or considerably larger than three or four feet, they can be resin, styrofoam, cement, plastic or paper. This guide is only an introduction to what's available. I'm always searching for something just a bit more interesting. My next gargoyle is likely to be the very smooth and stylish Draga, the Vampire Gargoyle.
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