Gargoyles

 I went to see the wildlife photographer of the year at the Natural History Museum today and I came out and took a photograph of the beautiful building as I just love looking at the gargoyles. I didn't have the right lens for a close up view but they are amazing and beautiful and some are quite scary. I took this excerpt from London Living history link - I am very grateful I have such architecture on my doorstep.

"The mid-19th century, when the museum was being established, was a period of seismic change in the world of science and zoology.

In 1879 Darwin published On The Origins Of Species, revealing the links between living and extinct species. Richard Owen, despite being considered one of the leading scientific figures of his time, was strongly opposed to Darwin’s theory of evolution, believing instead that the process was far more complicated and believing in the divine ordering of animals. It is thought that Owen was probably jealous of Darwin’s professional success and fame. 

Owen therefore insisted that all sculptures of extinct animals should be presented separately to those that are living.

All the sculptures and statues on the East wing are extinct and all living animals in the West. If looking at the front entrance, to the right you have creatures such as sabre-tooth tigers and a pterodactyl. On your left are lions and wolves. "