Grinling Gibbons - a beginning

Much more to follow on Grinling Gibbons, but I am building this blog one post at a time.

Grinling Gibbons was a Dutch-born sculptor (l648/172l) who produced the most amazing carvings I know of. For those that don't already know him there are some Wiki details here.

In the early 1970's London Transport even produced a guide on where to see his best work in the Capital.

I still think it is the best guide there is but there are a couple of omissions when it comes to Gibbons associations.

Two of these are at the V&A, a statue of him on the South façade and a mosaic on a staircase inside. I was in the area today so got a snap of both.

This mosaic was first painted by J.D. Watson, and then executed by Florence H. Cole and Amelia Gibbon (no relation!) "superintended" by Samuel Cooper for Minton, Hollins & Co.. More details of the original painting (also in their collection) here.


The exterior sculpture is by William S.Frith (1850-1924)

Gibbon's work generally photographs badly, even in the standard books, you do really need to see it to appreciate the skill and artistry. In future posts I will post locations and where possible my own attempts at photography.

Thomas Goode's Elephants

I mentioned the Aspinalls bronze elephant the other day. Nearby are two china ones in the showroom windows of Thomas Goode in South Audley Street, Mayfair, London.


These 7ft bone china elephants on display were designed by Goode and manufactured by the Minton Factory for the Great Exhibition in Paris in 1889. The cost? £6 million for the pair. Somehow I don't think they would ever really want to sell them.

One day I might photograph them from inside the shop but walking round their showrooms can be nerve wracking for a clumsy bloke like me. The thought of knocking something over when there are items priced upto £650K makes you very aware of every movement!