A large medieval carved limestone long fingered mouth puller gargoyle

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Object Description

Circa 1490

Object History

Collection of Peter Inskip M.B.E.
Acquired from an unknown Church in 1959 by Mr E. Clayson of Harrold – a builder who worked on several Churches in North Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Object Literature

Also known as a ‘mouth gaper’ this type of gargoyle is thought to represent the sin of gluttony or possibly allude to, as with other examples, ‘face pulling’ or gurning, a common medieval competition!

This gargoyle, a word derived from the French 15th century word ‘Gargouille’ (throat), is a hybrid, possibly a griffin or a harpie. It is of an unusually large scale and in good condition considering its age, being both intentionally grotesque, to ward of evil spirits, and practical, as a gutter to throw water clear of Church/Cathedral walls.

Object Details

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Saturday
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Sunday
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Dealer Location

Taddington Manor
Taddington
Nr. Cutsdean
Gloucestershire GL54 5RY
United Kingdom

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