Miniature Wire and Paper Sculpture: The Gryphon

fearsome gryphon beast
Gryphon Statant
Polly Verity 2007

The Gryphon (or Griffin)
As The lion is the "King of the Beasts" and the eagle the "King of the Air", the gryphon (as combination of the two) was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. They would find gold in the mountains and built their nests of it and instead of eggs they laid agate.

Animal blazonry
At this moment the gryphon is standing passant (far foreleg raised and far hind leg moved slightly forward).

Dimensions
17 x 15 x 8cm (not including glass dome)

Materials:
Silver wire, acid free tissue paper, acid free tracing paper (vellum)

Wire Sculpture Technique:
The wire is built up into a 3D wireframe using the wire and this describes the contours and outline of the gryphon. The wire is joined to itself by tight wrapping of wire around wire using pliers, there is no hot process involved. Then a the fine paper (sized first with glue) is put on wet. This paper skin then dries taut. The individual creatures are usually kept in an antique glass dome or perpex box for protection and display.

gryphon in wireframeGryphon in wireframe before covering

 

gryphon in progress in the artists studio

gryphon in progress
Work in Progress in the Artists Studio - just beginning to apply the paper feathers

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griffin, griffon or gryphon sculpture by Polly Verity. Created in wire and tissue paper, the works are exceptionally delicate and miniature.