| Gargoyles are undoubtedly one of the most notable | | | | On historic structures, gargoyles crafted from |
| features of Gothic architecture. These winged beasts | | | | architectural terracotta are often the first elements to |
| and frightening monsters are found on the outside of | | | | deteriorate. There are a couple of reasons for this. |
| many structures, particularly Gothic cathedrals. But | | | | First, because gargoyles protrude from the facades of |
| why would religious buildings display evil-looking | | | | buildings, they are simply more exposed to the |
| creatures? Why do gargoyles crafted from terracotta | | | | elements. The raw steel angles and bronze rods used |
| seem to be so much more susceptible to damage | | | | to anchor gargoyles crafted from architectural |
| than other terracotta elements? What terracotta | | | | terracotta to buildings are another reason why they |
| restoration process is used to bring back the | | | | are so prone to corrosion and wear. When water |
| frightening beauty of gargoyles crafted from | | | | penetrates these terracotta elements, rusting and |
| architectural terracotta? This article will answer these | | | | swelling can quickly cause damage to the terracotta. |
| three important questions. | | | | Terracotta Restoration: The Process for Gargoyles |
| A Brief History of Terracotta Gargoyles | | | | One of the top goals of terracotta restoration is to |
| Gargoyles crafted from terracotta and other materials | | | | produce a finished product that is as similar to the |
| began appearing on the sides of Gothic cathedrals | | | | original architectural terracotta element as possible. |
| during the Middle Ages. Exactly what these monsters | | | | When terracotta gargoyles are being restored, |
| represented is still a matter of debate. Some believe | | | | replacements can often be cast using the existing |
| terracotta gargoyles were biblical creatures, while | | | | gargoyle. In cases where the gargoyle has been |
| others think they were symbols of evil. There is also | | | | completely destroyed, a replacement may have to be |
| contention about whether terracotta gargoyles were | | | | sculpted from drawings or photos. Effective terracotta |
| recreations of creatures that once roamed the earth | | | | restoration for these particular elements also involves |
| or depictions of mythological dragons. Although | | | | anchoring replacement gargoyles with frames crafted |
| scholars disagree about the actual inspiration behind | | | | from stainless or galvanized steel. Replacement |
| these elements, most agree on the purpose of | | | | terracotta gargoyles are then bolted or epoxied to the |
| gargoyles. They were placed on cathedral exteriors to | | | | cathedral or other building. This terracotta restoration |
| serve as guards and protect against evil forces. | | | | process ensures that gargoyles will be able to resist |
| Gargoyles Crafted from Architectural Terracotta: Why | | | | the elements and serve as sentries and conversation |
| They are so Vulnerable | | | | pieces for many years. |