Is it a dragon or a griffin? This question has puzzled many a visitor to London, as they encounter the majestic Dragon boundary marks. These cast iron sculptures, often mistaken for griffins, are no mere decorations. They are guardians, sentinels marking the very edges of the historic City of London. The Dragon boundary marks are painted silver, their wings and tongues picked out in vibrant red. Each dragon strikes a powerful pose, standing on its left leg while its right leg supports a shield. This shield proudly displays the City of London’s coat of arms: the red cross of Saint George upon a white field. The design of these dragons has a fascinating origin. It harks back to two larger-than-life dragon sculptures that once graced the entrance of the Coal Exchange on Lower Thames Street. Designed by City Architect J.B. Bunning and cast in 1849, these original dragons were thankfully spared when the Coal Exchange was demolished in the 1960s. Today, fourteen Dragon boundary marks stand watch over the City of London. They are a testament to the city’s enduring history and a symbol of its enduring strength and resilience. So next time you’re wandering the streets of London and you come face-to-face with one of these magnificent creatures, take a moment to appreciate their story. They are more than meets the eye, a unique and fascinating thread woven into the rich tapestry of London’s past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to