Bronze gargoyle door knocker: January 2012

What is a Gargoyle?

Gargoyle is most often applied to medieval works, but throughout the ages it was adapted as, " a means of water diversion". In ancient architecture, gargoyles typically took the form of a lion's head. Similar lion-mouthed water spouts were also seen on Greek temples. Many medieval cathedrals included gargoyles. The most famous are those of Notre Dame de Paris. Although most have grotesque features, the term gargoyle has come to include all types of images. Some gargoyles were depicted as monks, or combinations of real animals and people, many of which were humorous. Unusual animal mixtures, or chimeras, did not act as rain spouts and are more properly called grotesques. They serve more as ornamentation, but are now synonymous with gargoyles.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Gargoyle shield hinge and strike plate fabrication

The images below show the completed shield/hinge and strike plate for the gargoyle door knocker. The white half circle is the strike plate and will be located directly behind the gargoyle's lowest point.

This last image shows how I will use a 1/4" threaded rod and nut to secure the door knocker to the door. The actual nut will be an embellished bronze knob I will fabricate to fit the theme. The strike plate will also be installed in the same manor. The the short threaded rod depicted above will be used to prevent the knocker from being unscrewed from outdoors. Moreover, it will help to keep the door knocker aligned with the strike plate.

Once the client approves this phase I will begin the detailing of the gargoyle.

Live sculpting broadcast by HandsofCaesar.com

Bronze gargoyle door knocker

What is a Gargoyle?

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Gargoyle wings attached to body - semi complete detailing

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Gargoyle shield hinge and strike plate fabrication

Live sculpting broadcast by HandsofCaesar.com