Gibbons, Grinling (1648-1720), a sculptor and woodcarver, became famous for his delicate work. Birds, flowers, fruit, and shellfish are all features of his designs. His masterpiece is the magnificent ceiling at Petworth House, in West Sussex, England. He carved the throne in Canterbury Cathedral and made sculptures for the chapel at Windsor Castle.
Gibbons was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, but moved to England when he was 19. John Evelyn, the diarist, discovered him carving a crucifix one day and arranged for the royal family and Christopher Wren, the architect, to see it. Wren employed Gibbons to carve stalls for St. Paul’s Cathedral and for other London churches.
