Friday, March 25, 2011

Dragon at University College


When you enter University College you really do enter another century - its hallways paneled with beautifully carved wood, lovely multi-coloured tile floors, stained glass windows and particularly the main staircases are from a time of craftsmanship not to be seen today. All the staircases are impressive but the east one with this fabulous carved dragon (or griffin as some think) newel post is unbelievable! Tradition has it that touching him will bring good luck and great marks so he is well- polished.

12 comments:

LĂșcia said...

The floor is fantastic, but the carved griffin is outstanding!!!
Wonderful place, I don't have the knowledge you do in arts or achitecture, but I love to see buildings and art from other times.
Hope you have good luck! ;-)

Unknown said...

That's a very grand stair case! And a beautiful dragon/griffin... which could pose a problem for anyone sliding down the handrail ;)

Jack said...

Everything is amazing here, the Newell post turnings, the balustrades, the intricate colored tile work and of course the coiled dragon. Nice!

Eyeliquor 2 said...

Ah! we're in!!
Very nice!
More than craftsmanship!

Sharon said...

That is an amazing sight. I love places like this with so much history and so very much architectural detail.

jennyfreckles said...

That's so beautiful in its way - such fine work. I love those tiles too. BTW, how fantastic that you have a memento of Saltaire. As you say, such a small world!

Gunn said...

Pretty details!:)

Gunn / Stavanger / Norway

Halcyon said...

I am a bit intimidated! ;-)

Randy said...

That floor really is cool. The dragon is a little scary but a great carving.

EG CameraGirl said...

WOW! Very impressive indeed!

Birdman said...

I want to run my hands over this... enticing as a get out!

Denise SCARAMAI said...

... Oh how wonderful!
increasingly like Toronto!
a lot of hugs =]