Hey guys, while I was going to Franklin Street to meet some of my friends at Spanky’s, one of the many wonderful restaurants in Chapel Hill, I looked to my left and saw one of the most out of place “things” attached to Person Hall. Since I consider myself a pretty curious person I had to stop by and see what they were. I have realized that art can be found throughout the whole campus, and every piece of art seems to have an interesting story. When I decided to walk closer I was able to see that the two sculptures were Gargoyles. It made absolutely no sense to me why there were Gargoyles on Person Hall. The Gargoyles seemed creepy, and like art straight out of the gothic architectural age. I had studied gothic architecture and was positive that this sculpture came from this period; it just made no sense to me why it would be on the side of a random hall in Chapel Hill. Like I said before every piece of art in Chapel Hill has an interesting story behind it, and the Gargoyles are no exception.
I stood there at Person Hall and clicked a few pictures on my cell phone. I had to show my friends this piece of art ASAP because it was just so interesting to me. I was eager to know why they are there, and what they symbolize. All of my friends said the same thing most UNC students are probably thinking, “yeah I saw it but so what?” That response is crazy to me because wherever you turn on this beautiful campus there is an opportunity to learn something new. This campus has a rich history and so many great pieces of art from the past, we as students and casual observers need to soak it all in before it is too late. By this point I was solely focused on what the reason might be for the Gargoyles. Since my friends could not give me a good answer, I did a little of my own research to find out about those cool sculptures. By research I mean asking some older people on campus who know about UNC art.
I learned that a lady named Kathrine Pandelton Arrington visited London in 1933, and returned to little Chapel Hill with two Gargoyles which were once on Big Ben. That explains the gothic look that I suggested earlier. The two Gargoyles were removed from Big Ben and put into The Hill. A piece of one of England’s most notable buildings is right in our back yard! These interesting facts did not take long to find, and knowing where they came from makes these type of sculptures much more meaningful. Although it is in a random place, who cares? It’s from Big Ben! I told my friends to stop and look and now I am telling you to do the same. Look at this school and appreciate the art, although it may be random because it most likely has a story behind it that is worth hearing. Stop thinking about homework or what your plans are for tonight and start thinking art. You don’t have to be into it, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t attempt to enjoy the beauty right outside your front door. Knowing what I now know about the Gargoyles, I am positive that I will never walk by the upper quad without taking a peak at UNC’S little souvenir from London.
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