Gibbons

Gibbons, Grinling (1648-1720), wood-carver and sculptor, was born at Rotterdam, but probably of an English family. He came to London and lived at La Belle Sauvage, where his wondrous carving of et pot of flowers attracted passers-by.

He then executed ornaments, for the theatre, and for Dorset Garden. He then went to Deptford, and here his copy of Tintoretto's Crucifixion attracted the notice of John Evelyn, who introduced him to Sir Christopher Wren, Samuel Pepys, and the king. Though his work did not gain direct approval at Court, the introduction brought him fortune. The king bought his Stoning of St. Stephen. The choir stalls of St. Paul's are his work, and there is much of it in other of Wren's churches. He also decorated Windsor, Whitehall, Kensington, Chatsworth, Blenheim, Petworth, and many other houses, and Trinity College Chapel, Oxford, and Belton Hall, near Grantham, have some of his best work. The wooden throne at Canterbury is also his work.

His skill was particularly shown in depicting flowers, fruit, game, and still life generally; but he was also very successful in portrait medallions, and carved, too, in marble. From Charles II. to George I. he was the Court master