The Main Building (1880)

Figure 4. Courtesy of the University of Sydney Archives, 1880 [G3_224_0665]. Main Building And Great Hall. Photograph, https://www.sydney.edu.au/arms/archives/media/me_objects/164.[1]

This next photograph, taken in 1880 (Fig. 4),  brings you closer to the main building. If you look up, you will see many gargoyles and grotesques along the walls of the main building.[2] The traditional symbolic purpose of a gargoyle was to ward off evil spirits, but also had a functional role to drain rainwater away from the building.[3] Gargoyles are a typical feature of medieval gothic architecture, which was the inspiration for the Main Building.[4] The gargoyles created for the main building and quadrangle depict both mythical creatures and real animals.[5] Interestingly, Australian animals provided some inspiration for these gargoyles.[6] A kangaroo gargoyle can be seen on the clocktower on the right hand side facing towards the city.[7] See if you can spot it! There is also a crocodile gargoyle inside the clock tower, and a pair of kookaburras above the entrance to the northern staircase foyer.[8]

Looking at the photograph, it is funny to see the grounds so empty as this area is always buzzing with activity. When you are ready, head inside the central archway under the large tower. Inside on your left you will see an old pump.[9] This pump was used in the early days of the university to provide water from an underground tank.[10] Thankfully, we no longer have to use this anymore, and there are many water stations around campus which can provide water with only the push of a button.

     [1] “University Archives Mediabank.”

[2] “Quadrangle Gargoyle Tour,” The University of Sydney, accessed June 2, 2021, https://archive.ph/20150414024035/http://sydney.edu.au/alumni/sam/july2012/quadrangle-residents.shtml.

     [3] Karen Ralls, Gothic Cathedrals : A Guide to the History, Places, Art, and Symbolism (Lake Worth: Ibis Press, 2015), 226.

     [4] University of Sydney, “Quadrangle Gargoyle Tour.”

     [5] University of Sydney, “Quadrangle Gargoyle Tour.”

     [6] University of Sydney, “Quadrangle Gargoyle Tour.”

     [7] University of Sydney, “Quadrangle Gargoyle Tour.”

     [8] University of Sydney, “Quadrangle Gargoyle Tour.”

     [9] Kerr, Attenbrow, Stanborough, Ellsmore, and Marshall,  Appendix A, A26.

     [10] Kerr, Attenbrow, Stanborough, Ellsmore, and Marshall,  Appendix A, A26.