The Bay Citizen has profiled the grotesques at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral:
The cathedral’s creatures are mythical wyverns, similar to dragons but with two legs only. The six-foot-long statues, made of lead-coated copper, were designed by Weihe, Frick & Kruse, who also created the Hall of Justice in San Francisco.
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“Gargoyle” is from the Old French word “gargouille,” meaning “throat.” The words “gargle” and “gurgle” are also from this onomatopoeic noun. Gargoyles were used as drain spouts to propel rain from buildings, thus preventing damage to the mortar. Typically, the water flows out of the creature’s mouth.
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Numerous other creatures adorn Grace Cathedral: a door handle in the shape of a dolphin, a bronze elephant, stained-glass doves and lambs, and a family of raccoons on the north aisle’s mural.
Nerd-boys, such as this blogger, use the occasion to think fondly on Washington National Cathedral’s grotesques, including, of course, Darth Vader.