This will be an on-line event and powerpoint presentation to explore Grinling Gibbons talent for carving extra-ordinary detailed wood carvings using his favorite material limewood. Grinling Gibbons was the most celebrated British woodcarver of the 17th century. Born in Rotterdam in 1648, to British parents, Gibbons completed his initial apprenticeship in the Low Countries before emigrating to London in around 1667. After his arrival in London Gibbons quickly attracted attention – receiving commissions by the mid-1670s to produce decorative carving for two country-houses in Hertfordshire. Gibbons was given his first royal commission in 1675, when he was hired by Charles II to produce decorative carving for Windsor Castle. Over the next 25 years, he completed important commissions for Whitehall Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace. In 1693, he was appointed as master sculptor and carver in wood by King William III.
Additional information about this course
Saturday 10.30 – 12.45 inclusive of ¼ hour comfort break
Course aim
Grinling Gibbon was the most celebrated British woodcarver of the 17th century. His highly distinctive style is characterised by botanical elements carved in limewood. We shall explore the life and infuences of this extraordinary talent
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- An appreciation of the style and skill of Grinling Gibbons work
- Developed your knowledge to perhaps follow up on further courses of interest
- Understood how Grinling Gibbons role in society was of a court artist
- Imporved your skill/ understanding of using Zoom and Canvas in an on-line session
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- You will have access to course resources and links to wider learning through the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
Download full course information sheet
Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721): Master woodcarver and sculptor







