Gradel Gargoyles for New College Oxford

Gargoyles for a modern age

To justify making gargoyles for a modern building we looked at the motivations for their original appearance on buildings around the world. Firstly, they served to redirect the flow of rainwater away from the building, and secondly, to ward off evils based on mythical fear. At the same time gargoyles were decorative and a chance for the mason to display their artistic skills; this still applies today.

The superstitions of the Middle Ages have little relevance with our modern lives, and so we wanted to address one of the very real concerns of today, highlighting the love of animals and the reminder that our eco system is fragile and precious.

Gargoyles that delight

We wanted to make a series of carvings that bring about surprise and delight.

Gargoyles with impact

On sampling the chosen stone for the first time, it was clear the carvings needed to be bold and fairly simple. With that in mind, we created a series of sketches, which were then distilled into careful drawings, and following approval, models were made.

Gargoyles for pleasure

As a craftsman, I have enjoyed pushing various ideas and continuing the tradition of fine, functional art in Oxford. It is not every day that one is asked to carve gargoyles to be placed on a new building; I have had enormous fun, and I hope this shows in the pieces we have made.

Gargoyle at the Royal Academy

A miniature version of my pangolin gargoyle was displayed in the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy as part of a collaboration with David Kohn Architects.

The Golden Mole

The Golden Mole was carved on the suggestion of the author Katherine Rundell, who recently wrote a book with the same title, about the world's strangest and most inspiring animals.