The Ministers Ancient guardians: Inspired after visiting the Gargoyle Shed in Wetherby, North Yorkshire and seeing some of these strange creatures up close, and in particular a rather spectacular group of four early Victorian examples we just happened to wander upon the old masons yard at the east end of the Minster in York a few days later , and where given a brief insight into the skill and craft work that is the masons art, some of these examples we show will never been seen from the ground as most will replace the Ministers Ancient guardians many hundreds of feet perched like there predecessors that have slowly succumbed to the centuries of rain and pollution on the roofs and sills, high above the Historic city.
Out & About at the York Minster: Newly completed restoration work, West doors at York Minster ,a tribute to the craftsmen and woman who have and continue to do battle against time and the elements to ensure our history preserved, for anyone who had visited the Minster as she lay half hidden by scaffolding and sheets for so long it is a wonderful experience to see the new stone work standing proud and revitalised basking in its majestic glory
Gargoyles: The word "Gargoyle" shares a root with the word "Gargle"; and stems from the word "gargoyles," an old French word for "Throat." A true gargoyle is a carved creature of various kinds that also serves as a waterspout. An unusual carved creature that does not serve that purpose is properly called a "Grotesque."
Diamond Dave: using the diamond tipped blades water cooled, slowly slice through the sandstone preparing each piece individually selected to order before being presented to the master craftsmen who carry on this ancient art. Many thanks to big Dave, responsible for the precision cutting of the stone, and was proud as punch to get his picture on line at last! Many thanks.
