Grotesques and Gargoyles

What are Gargoyles and Grotesques?

What is the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque? 

When you look at churches, cathedrals and other older buildings you see all sorts of creatures and human figures/faces carved into and adorning them. They can either just be pleasing to the eye or part of a vital function of the building.  

People get confused about the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque as they can look very similar. Simply put, gargoyles are waterspouts that ‘spit’ water from the roof out and away from the walls of the building to preserve the stonework. The word gargoyle comes from the Latin word gurguilio, which means “throat” and is the root word for gargle, gurgle, gully, gutter and gulp. The rainwater goes through their throats and out their mouths, and can sound like gargling.  

Whereas grotesques are just decorative/ornamental and have no functionality, more often than not they are ugly or unnatural in shape and form, combining animals into hybrids or imaginary creatures. Some are considered to have the power to ward off evil spirits, offering symbolic protection from marauders and malevolent spirits and are popular subjects of folklore and art.

‘Alien’ Gargoyle, Paisley Abbey, Paisley, Scotland – Thomas Nugent

Grotesques and gargoyles can take the form of any creature or human form, sometimes depicting kings, queens, or saints.  On Salisbury cathedral there is at least one portrait to celebrate past craftsman who worked on the building as well as bishops and figures of notoriety.  

At Chichester Cathedral, local lawyer, Clifford Hodgetts, is caricatured as a gargoyle. Image source

Both are eclectic in nature – they are not bound by a specific theme. Some are whimsical, others practical, and a few even tell a tale of personal vendettas within the community. In certain instances, if a mason had a bone to pick with someone associated with the building, like a bishop, they had a creative outlet to express themselves. The result? A grotesque portrayal – often a mean caricature.

According to legend during the construction of the Freiburger Münster, city council members commissioned a stonemason to design some of the stonework and sculptures on the building. They also demanded that gargoyles were crafted for the cathedral.

Once complete, the stonemason was not paid for his services. As the story goes, he positioned one of the gargoyles to appear as if it were defecating in the direction of the city council building, now forever visible on one of the city’s most religious structures. Image credit and source

Occasionally grotesques or small carvings on the building are made out of boredom or delight.  On Salisbury Cathedral, within the dogs tooth voussoirs around the Christ in Majesty on the West Front, are carved at least half a dozen, maybe more, small creatures and faces where nobody could possibly see them, except for the masons who made them and fixed them. I doubt even with a strong pair of binoculars you would be able to see them… now there’s a challenge!

Modern Day Resurgence: Are Gargoyles Relevant Today?

Stone carvers, like ourselves (and some of our students), continue to make and create gargoyles and grotesques for both historic restoration projects, modern buildings and gardens. Interest in these sculptures has seen a revival, not just for their traditional purposes but also as unique decorative elements.

Can You Put Gargoyles on Your House?

Absolutely! Incorporating a gargoyle or grotesque into your home’s design can add a unique element of gothic charm and historical intrigue. Whether set below the rooftop or guarding the front door, these sculptures make distinctive, conversation-starting features.

Pity the poor medieval, with nothing to relieve the toothache except the blacksmith’s pliers … A grotesque from Wells Cathedral

The best place to put a gargoyle is where it can serve its original purpose—overseeing and protecting. Traditionally, this would be near rooflines or corners of buildings where they can effectively divert rainwater. For a more modern approach, gargoyles or grotesques can be placed in gardens or entryways to greet visitors.

Cultural Impact and Continuing Legacy

While we may not use gargoyles as architectural necessities anymore, their impact on art and culture remains significant. From inspiring characters in film and literature (see Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame) to being a subject of interest in historical tours, gargoyles continue to be a point of fascination and aesthetic appreciation.

Whether you’re an enthusiast of architectural history, a fan of fantasy, or someone who appreciates the art of stone carving, these creatures of stone promise to guard and fascinate for generations to come.

We’ll be exploring more questions on the world of stone carving in future blogs but that’s all for today.