Grinling Gibbons
(1648 - 1721)
The celebrated woodcarver and sculptor Grinling Gibbons was born in Rotterdam and settled in London in 1671. Gibbons was famous for his extremely intricate limewood carvings of flowers, fruit, foliage, birds and fish which were created to embellish private houses and churches. In 1693 he was appointed Master Carver to the Crown. He worked at various royal palaces including Windsor Castle where he created spectacular carvings for panelling, chimney pieces and picture frames. Gibbon's work was characterised by artistic virtuosity, exuberant style and naturalistic subject-matter.