Look up at the roofs around you and what do you notice?
Look up at the skyline, at the very apex of the roofs around you and what do you notice? - Chimneys. Those things that stick out right at the top of your house to vent your fires. Often forgotten about and overlooked, a chimney can be a thing of beauty. You just need to perceive them in a slightly different way. In the right hands, they are not just the vesicle of smoke and CO2 but sculptures of ingenuity and imagination to grace your roof space.
To whet your appetite for the chimneys around you, we’ve picked a few that we think showcase this art in the best way. Enjoy!
Chimney sculpturesCasa Mila, Barcelona
Image © Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera
Head to Casa Mila and you will spy a collection of different chimney sculptures, crafted by Gaudi.
Gaudi believes the roof of the building plays a huge part of the whole structure; to insulate, to provide light and ventilation. He made stairwells ventilation towers and chimneys, all with order, beauty and functionality in mind.
Smoke sculpture on chimneyOld Cotton Mill, Gorbals, Glasgow
Image © Discoverglasgow.org
This old cotton mill was converted to offices in 1998 but the statue of fake smoke coming out of its’ chimneys was added to help remember its past life. Now it has become one of Glasgow’s tourists sights.
Chimney Sweeper Sculpture on roofOld town of Klaipeda, Lithuania
Image © tripadvisor.co.uk
Klaipeda is awash with sculptures. So much so that some people forget to look up. If you do take the time to cast your eye heavenward, you will spot this cheeky chap looking down from his chimney. There’s even a button on the wall below to rub for good luck.
Sculpture a chimney sweepHouse of Legends. Lviv, Ukraine
Image © www.tripadvisor.co.uk
The House of Legend is a favourite spot for visitors and includes a walk up to the chimneys. Not only is there a spectacular view across the city but you get the company of the chimney swell sitting next to his chimney.
Chimney sweeper sculpturesThis statue in Riga, Latvia
Image © www.inyourpocket.com
This statue in Riga, Latvia deserves a mention in our line-up due to its skill and intricacy. Modelled on Varis Vicans, who was president of the Latvian Brotherhood of Chimney Sweeps, it’s castin bronze and shows the architecture of the time.
Dragon Chimney stack Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand
Image © www.flickr.com
Take a walk around Hobbiton and you may feel you are back in the Shires. But don’t expect Bilbo Baggins to appear at any point. Instead, enjoy such oddities as this intriguing chimney stack featuring an imposing dragon.
A final word...
Next time you are out and about, don’t forget to rais your eyes to the roofs around you as you may be missing a world of imagination and beauty. Are there any unknown chimney sculptures in your area? Keep your eyes peeled!