Leo's South Bank, as it is often called Londoners, stands at the Eastern entrance on Westminster bridge. Normally, the city lions seem harsh, but this extremely good-natured and cheerful face – I think he slightly smiles. It is made of stone, but not the usual London Portland, here is another story.

Quadski stone is the name in England and not everyone knows already. While this artificial stone was very popular. Toadskin he was called by name procreator – Eleanor Coad. Strong, smart, hardworking businesswoman Georgian bought in 1769 someone else's business for the production of artificial stone. Attempts of this kind was in those years a lot, but only succeeded Eleanor Coad.

Quadski stone was obtained after repeated firing a mixture of special clays with few ingredients. The color of the finished product ranged from light gray to light yellow. The mixture is easily poured into the complex shape, and it made the stone an ideal material for large statues and sculptural facades. But the main feature madsage stone – its amazing resistance to precipitation, which is very important for London.

From madsage made of stone sculptural reliefs above the entrance to the Imperial war Museum, front street Nelson in naval College in Greenwich, decorations for the private rooms of Buckingham Palace, the Royal pavilion in Brighton and many different installations throughout the UK. Leo's South Bank – one of the best samples of products from madsage stone.

These lions, designed by William Frederick Woodington in 1837, there were two. They were almost the last sculptures of madsage stone, by that time almost surrendered their positions in front of the Portland cement. Painted red lions looked out on the Thames facade of the brewery "lion". However, in 1924 brewing company absorbed another, in 1931 the building was damaged by fire and have long been abandoned. In 1949 it was demolished to make room for the concert hall, the Royal festival hall".

But Lviv saved! Behind them stood king George VI. One, with bared menacing face, painted with gold paint. He now faces Twickenham stadium, known to all fans who meet "under the"Golden lion".

And second, cheerful and kind, took place on the pedestal at Westminster bridge. It was torn off of red paint, and you want to say the quality of the stone lion is still in excellent condition. He stands at the bridge from the South Bank (South Bank). Here in Lambeth, lived at its plant Eleanor Coad, it was the same brewery. Now this lion symbolizes Britain for tourists, but perhaps it is symbolic and what is done-it was just for the brewery.