In case it's not clear from that picture, this is what's going on at the bottom:
Nice touch with the cloven hooves there, guys. And this is what's going on at the top:
Mm. Welcoming.
Sunday 4 September 2011
Mwarrhahahahaharrr Inc.
Look, I'm not saying that the organisation within the imposing central London building which has these lamps flanking its entranceway is definitely evil. All I'm saying is, they're clearly very relaxed indeed about giving that impression.
In case it's not clear from that picture, this is what's going on at the bottom:
In case it's not clear from that picture, this is what's going on at the bottom:
There is a sort of explanation for the snakes, at least. But none (that I'm aware of) for the goats...
ReplyDeleteWhat is housed in the building?
ReplyDeleteI think that's the main door for Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
ReplyDeleteI was just going to post, Nance, that this would be Slytherin's London HQ lampposts!
ReplyDeleteAustralia House was used for Gringotts in the HP films. And Australia has snakes and goats and a business that could easily go by the name of Mwarrhahahaharr Inc, which we may know better as News Corp, but, alas, Australia House doesn't look like this in any images I have found.
Please come back and tell us where this is.
That is amazing. There must be a lot of mustache-twirling and finger-steepling going on in that building.
ReplyDeleteDasia has a blog!
If you say there's an explanation for the snakes, I'm guessing it has to be a medical institution of some kind. In fact as the snakes are winding around posts or staffs that almost guarantees it. The goats, OTOH, are a bit Aleister Crowley for my taste! (It's not the HQ of the Rolling Stones, is it?)
ReplyDeletePrwelly: If you want Griffins (and other magical animals), they can be found at the doors of the Lillian Smith Toronto library (SF collection - of course): http://librarianista.tumblr.com/search/lillian+smith
ReplyDeleteNo need to cross the pond: Kew Gardens has some fantastical animal carvings ISTR.
ReplyDeleteit could take a lesson or two from the garden gate...
ReplyDeleteThis is clearly the HQ of HMRC. Its insidious nature is perfectly portrayed with the cloven hoofs representing the government. Sly and sinuous snakes are clearly reflecting their ability to pervade every aspect of our society. Was that a bit dark?
ReplyDeleteThe technical term for this lamp-post animal is a snoat.
ReplyDeleteI think it's welcoming. Goats are very misunderstood, when they charge at you they're only looking for hug.
Good detective work, fp! And there's another clue in the picture which, combined with your deductions so far, might give it to you...
ReplyDelete...or I could just tell you.
@Roger. Actually not the HQ of HMRC, who, incidentally, collect taxes to pay for silly things like the NHS, the Fire Service, Social Services, the Police Forces, Education, Defence, roads, wildlife sanctuaries and so forth. Nothing all that important...
ReplyDeleteAh, I've stumbled across this building whilst out and about - it's The Royal Society of Medicine! No chance I'd have remembered it without the clue though, somehow creepy goats and hooves and guard-serpents don't immediately make me think of healing ...
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RoyalSocMedicine2011.jpg
Yeah Rachel! I love treasure hunts. I hope there's a goat-themed prize: Goat milk bath products? A round of soft cheese?
ReplyDeleteWell the BBC sent me some tickets to John Finnemore's Souvenier Programme tonight as a pre-emptive sort of prize I like to think, but I wouldn't say no to something off the cheese tray. :p
ReplyDeleteYaaayyy!!! The Greeks always have a word for it!
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm imagining Douglas as a medical student ... under Sir Lancelot Spratt, perhaps?
This is not at all related to the post, but I thought you might be interested to see this
ReplyDeletehttp://www.qwertee.com/product/magnificent-men-and-their-flying-machines/
and this
http://www.qwertee.com/product/no-otters-on-the-flight-deck/
It reminds me of the Serpent Coloumn from Delphi, which commemorated the Battle Of Plataea.
ReplyDeleteLordy.. was that too Stephen Fry?
Be Seeing You
H
The recording was awesome last night John.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that Polly seems like a charming pet to have. Quite protective over her master.
:D
Sunday at 7:15! Right after the Archers! See here
ReplyDeleteSorry, let's try that again:
ReplyDeleteSunday at 7:15! Right after the Archers! See here
oh, not available in my area :(
ReplyDeleteMust say... the "Mm Welcoming" at the end of that post was, in my mind, said in Douglas' voice. It was THAT sarcastic.
ReplyDelete