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Disney’s Grotesque Bird Sculptures at the Grand Californian Hotel

Ever notice these beautiful (but Grotesque) bird sculptures at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel? They’re perched near the elevators on all 6 floors, and they’re gorgeous!

California Quail bird sculpture in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel Grotesque Bird

Ever notice these beautiful (but Grotesque) bird sculptures at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel? They’re perched near the elevators on all 6 floors, and they’re gorgeous! Here, I will tell you ALL about them. (That’s Hugh, a California Quail, pictured at left).

What is a grotesque bird sculpture?

To “get” or understand these bird sculptures better, you probably should know what a grotesquerie is. Back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, an “ugly” sculpture or ugly work of art acted as a kind of safe for the home. It usually had a hollowed out cavity where the homeowner could stow away money, tobacco, alcohol, whatever. A burglar would pass it right by.

Martin Brothers Bird sculpture 1896
Martin Brothers “Bird” 1896 (courtesy of Metropolitan Museum of Art)

From 1873-1914, the Martin Brothers of London, England were master pottery makers and well known for their grotesqueries, especially exquisite bird sculptures and bowls, which are highly collectible today.

When Disney was building the Grand Californian Hotel, they asked artist, Susan Dannenfelser, to create artwork for some of the public areas.

Drawing inspiration from the Martin Brothers, she and her husband produced this gorgeous “California Natives” series of grotesque birds for the hotel and spa.

You’ll find two birds on each of the six floors of the hotel. And they’re positioned to reflect or mimic how high or low the birds actually fly in the wild. So on the ground level, we have a pelican and a puffin – two birds that love the water. The top floor (6th) is home to a high flying bald eagle and owl. However, there might be an exception or two. For example, Hugh, the California Quail is on 5, but I don’t think Hugh gets too far off the ground in the wild.

Grand Californian Hotel Grotesque Bird Sculptures

Great Hall lobby at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Ground or lobby level

Here are “Greg” the California Puffin and “Scuttle” the California White Pelican. (Disney cast members have *nicknamed* each of the birds).

Grotesque Bird Greg the Puffin in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel
Grotesque Bird Scuttle the Pelican in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel

2nd Floor

Up one level, we find “Latruge” the Wood Duck and “Rand” the Great Blue Heron.

Grotesque Bird Latruge the Duck in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel
Grotesque Bird Rand the Blue Heron in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel

3rd Floor

On 3 are “Elvis” a Steller’s Jay and “Angelique” the Crow.

Grotesque Bird Elvis the Stellers Jay in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel
Grotesque Bird Angelique the Crow in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel

4th Floor

Perched on the fourth floor are “Lady” the Mourning Dove and “Speedy” the Roadrunner.

Grotesque Bird Lady the Dove in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel
Grotesque Bird Speedy the Roadrunner in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel

5th Floor

The fifth floor brings us to “Sandy” the Sandpiper and “Hugh” the California Quail.

Grotesque Bird Sandy the Sandpiper in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel
Grotesque Bird Hugh the California Quail in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel

6th Floor

We’re at the top now, where we find “Sam” the Bald Eagle, and “Owl” the Great Horned Owl.

Grotesque Bird Sam the Bald Eagle in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel
Grotesque Bird Owl the Owl in Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel

Who is your favorite? Let me know in the comments. Mine? I find Angelique the crow quite intriguing. Crows are thought to be quite intelligent, and Angelique just has that expression like she knows something – kind of like the cat that swallowed the canary. Your favorite?

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