Monday, September 12, 2011

Wyvern

The symbol of the Kingswood Oxford School -- which I showed a couple of times last week -- is the wyvern, a legendary reptilian creature with a dragon's head, wings and a barbed tail.  A pair of wyvern sit atop brick columns at the school's West Hartford main entrance on Trout Brook Drive.

I couldn't decide on black and white or color, horizontal or vertical.  The answer appears to be "It doesn't matter."

If I ran a school, it would not occur to me to pick "wyvern" as the mascot . . .

27 comments:

PerthDailyPhoto said...

So that's what the legendary Wyvern looks like, thanks Jack!! I constantly have the same struggle B&W versus colour, and you've done exactly what I would do, one of each. I think I'm going to get brave very soon and do a totally B&W post, it's coming..btw I do so love your sense of humour, there have been a number of times when I've seen your comments on other blogs and laughed out loud, excellent!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

I also would not have thought to pick a Wyvern as a mascot, but then I do not have a Kingswood Oxford School education.

All those kids who went to that school are burdened with having to remember how to spell Wyvern whenever a computer program asks them the name of their high school mascot as a security question.

And I thought I had gotten tired, as a Georgetown University graduate, of explaining to people what a Hoya is.

Luis Gomez said...

Thank you Jack, I hadn't seen one. I like the color image here.

Halcyon said...

I love the mascot, Jack! Very original and fierce. I must admit I didn't know what a wyvern was prior to reading your post. :)
As for the shots, I prefer the angle and crop of the first one. I typically think vertical shots are stronger, but in this case the angle of the first shot shows the wyvern better (IMO). I can't say for the b&w or the color. I like them both!

Kate said...

Wasn't wyverns also part of the Dungeons and Dragons game? I think it's a wonderfully clever mascot. Ours was "Spartans" and it was a heavy burden to bear at times.

Lynette said...

Great photos, Jack. I like both of them equally, especially when I clicked to enlarge them. Thanks!

SRQ said...

The wyvern seems rather Harry Potter-esque. In the top pic, it looks distressed rather than fierce, to me. But, this comes from someone who had the ever ferocious cardinal as her mascot in high school.

Sharon said...

I've seen images of these creatures but, never knew their name. And....what a name it is! For some reason it makes me think the word might be Welsh. Probably the lack of vowels gives me that idea.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Go Wyverns! Must make for an interesting pep rally and cheer! I always think of wyverns on a coat of arms... a fierce dragon.

The contrast of the blue sky against Wyvern's bold stance is perfect. He looks none-too-happy!

Bises,
Genie

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I think that colour always works best for subjects that are almost black and white - just a personal thing. The Wyvern looks as though it is viewing the latest intake of scholars with the kind of distaste that my old headmaster used to display every year.

Sylvia K said...

Great shots as always -- I do like the blue sky for a background, but it does make a great B&W! That being said, the Wyvern -- in both shots looks just about like I feel this morning!! Hope your week is off to a great start, Jack!

Sylvia

Dawn said...

It would not occur to me either. I would rather have a sculpture of a running shoe...or maybe a kayak.

Nice blue though:)
Have a good day Jack!
(heading to Florida for your golf trip yet?:)

RedPat said...

Never heard of this fierce beastie! I do like him with the blue sky though.

Malyss said...

In France, wyverns are more as snakes than as dragoons..To choose such a beast makes people think and talk, so it may be a good choice to make the university famous.I'm wondering what you would choose?..

Unknown said...

I prefer the colour photo and it's a great detail.
Wyverns are so often used in coat of arms but I never realized what it really stands for. Power? Strengh?

Unknown said...

On the other hand, I bet they don't run into many other schools with a wyvern for a mascot, so at least it's original! ;-)

EG CameraGirl said...

I think the photo has more depth with the blue sky. It sure is an interesting looking critter.

Lois said...

How interesting. I'm trying to figure out what kind of expression that is on his face.

VP said...

I have never heard before of this creature...

jennyfreckles said...

This was a new word I learned today. He looks like he's seen the hoardes from afar and is somewhat dismayed ('Young people today...!')

Regina K said...

I to had not heard of one of these before, but then I had never heard of a tarheel either (something I would never want to be : ) ) l like the black and white.

Randy said...

Love the color version.

Virginia said...

Wyern?????? Oh darn, I thought it an eagle and was about to burst into , " War Eagle fly down the field....." but I guess not.
V

Oakland Daily Photo said...

What? A mythical beast I've never heard of?! Me thinks its worth remembering this name for a suitable moment in a cutthroat game of Scrabble. I vote for color. p.s. What does the school cheer sound like? Go Wyverns!!

Cezar and Léia said...

B&W is also beautiful but I prefer the amazing blue sky!The symbol of eagle for the school is a wonderful idea.I love eagles!
Léia

Cindy said...

Interesting! Looks like it could be right out of Hogwarts.

Tash said...

Super photos. The pair look like the could be in a cartoon. Seriously mean expression but of little might.