The characters

BOOK CHARACTERS - Meet the real figures that became the characters in #fairytaleofbristolbook

Rufus the lion was inspired by the proud statues that frame the Vic Rooms at the top of the triangle in Clifton, Bristol 

I've loved him since we moved to Bristol and while working at the #BBC would often come and eat my lunch with him and watch the world go by.

'Rufus' and his non-identical twin were cast in bronze by British sculptor Henry Poole, in 1912. They replaced two sphinxes.

He became 'Rufus' the lion 
Illustration by @christineharris_illustrator
                

Rufus keeps watch over a beautiful fountain and this is another important part of the tale... you'll need to read it to find out why! You can see Rufus in the background here. 

An interesting feature of the fountains is that the water flow is controlled by an anemometer so that on windy days the pressure is reduced in order that the water does not blow across the adjacent roadway. (source: Wiki)

And Christine Harris's lovely illustration, which actually sees Rufus on the other side