2021 will be the 300th anniversary of the death of Grinling Gibbons

Date of birth as given in a horoscope cast for him by Elias Ashmole in 1682, now deposited at the Bodleian Library at Oxford, is ‘Ap 4 1648’, in Rotterdam. His father, James Gibbens (not Gibbons) an English draper. (Grinling Gibbons and the English Woodcarving Tradition, Frederick Oughton FRSA, 1979).

Died in his house at Bow Street on 3 August 1721. Buried in St Paul’s, Covent Garden, in an unmarked grave where his wife, Elizabeth, had been interred in 1719. He died intestate and his goods, including carvings and pictures were sold on 15 November 1722. There is a small limewood wreath carved by him in St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.

Between these events lies the works and legacy of the most famous carver in Britain.

Celebrating and commemorating Grinling Gibbons, The Kings Carver, MCA represent current practice as demonstrated by Master Carver David Robinson.

David was honoured to complete this commission for Lady and Lord Hodge which was presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at Holyrood Palace in June 2022.

“Carved in elmwood from a little estate sawmill in Fife, the sky line behind the pony is of the hills at Balmoral.”

Master Carvers’ Association extend deepest sympathy to His Majesty The King and The Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Recognising HRH’s leadership in art, craft and the conservation of the environment we wish King Charles III continued courage and wisdom as he embarks on his reign.

Detail of Petworth House Carving courtesy of MC Peter Thuring.

Detail of Petworth House Carving courtesy of MC Peter Thuring

Grinling Gibbons Tercentenary 2021 - Latest news, events and updates

Tony Webb retired Master Carver at St Paul`s Cathedral

The process of carving a Putto in wood over three-and-a-half days.

Tony Webb Grinling Gibbons Putto carving 1 - Grinling Gibbons

Day one, the head is roughed out from a block of limewood, note the tools and a brass mallet to give extra weight to force the chisels through the big cuts.

Tony Webb Grinling Gibbons Putto carving 2 - Grinling Gibbons

Day two, the head becomes clearer.

Tony Webb Grinling Gibbons Putto carving 3 - Grinling Gibbons

After three-and-a-half days the head is finished.

Replacing the Grinling Gibbons Sword Handle - Grinling Gibbons

Replacing the Sword Handle was my first job as Carver to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Working on the Quire Stalls. Reputedly, these panels and the Bishops Throne are the only work truly done by Gibbons, himself, in the Quire Stalls

Working on the Quire Stalls. Reputedly, these panels and the Bishops Throne are the only work truly done by Gibbons, himself, in the Quire Stalls. "To be joined by the hand of the Master, himself!"
Image © Angelo Hornak

An original swag by Grinling Gibbons

An original swag

Working on a copied swag - Grinling Gibbons

Copied

A copied swag finished - Grinling Gibbons

Finished

Carving a Putto Head in Portland Stone - Grinling Gibbons

Carving a Putto Head in Portland Stone

Three heads together - Grinling Gibbons

Three heads together

Replacement Capital for the Tower - Grinling Gibbons

Replacement Capital for the Tower, Portland Stone.

One of the carved panels under the widows - Grinling Gibbons

One of the carved panels under the widows, "To me it says, anything you can do in wood I can do in stone. 300 years old, out in all the weather and still in good condition. No work needed.”

The hand of the restorer Grinling Gibbons

Working with Assistant Hannah Hartwell it is not possible to distinguish the hand of the restorer as that of Master or Assistant to The Master;