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Grinling Gibbons:
Centuries
in the
Making

25 September 2021 – 30 January 2022

Grinling Gibbons: Centuries in the Making ran from 25 September 2021 – 30 January 2022.

Celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721) as part of a year-long series of events which commemorated the tercentenary of the most renowned British woodcarver of the 17th century, often called the ‘Michelangelo of Wood.’ Created in partnership with the Grinling Gibbons Society, Centuries in the Making revealed the life, genius and legacy of this legendary sculptor and craftsman.

An intricately carved cravat, with a bow at the top and looks like lace, although it's carved from wood.
Grinling Gibbons, Cravat, made of limewood with raised and openwork carving, by Grinling Gibbons, ca. 1690 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

About the
exhibition

‘Woodcarving so fine it seems to flutter before your very eyes…’ The Telegraph

Arguably the greatest carver in British history, Grinling Gibbons remains a potent symbol of inspiration and achievement. He carved with an unsurpassed realism that could literally fool the eye. A fine example is the limewood cravat (c.1690, V&A) which was once owned by Sir Horace Walpole. Exquisitely carved to imitate Venetian needlepoint lace, it was so realistic it is said that when Walpole wore it to greet visitors at his home at Strawberry Hill House, they believed it was the real thing. Walpole described how: ‘There is no instance of man before Gibbons who gave to wood the loose and airy lightness of flowers.’

Centuries in the Making explored the influences that shaped Gibbons’ vision, his skills and techniques, and the stylistic and cultural impact that he had on this country. Through sculpture and carving in wood and stone, drawings and sketches, portraits, still life paintings and documents, the exhibition brings fresh perspective to Gibbons and shows how his bold new direction changed the landscape of British carving, sculpture and interiors. The influence of Gibbons is traced to the present day, with works by contemporary artists and designers including Phoebe Cummings, Rebecca Stevenson and Alexander McQueen.

Also showcased were the work of the eleven finalists in the Grinling Gibbons Tercentenary Award, displayed throughout our Collections galleries.

Visit grinling-gibbons.org to find out more.

Grinling Gibbons: Centuries in the Making was organised by Grinling Gibbons Society, in partnership with Compton Verney.

The exhibition was supported by grants from the Henry Moore Foundation and the Weston Loans Programme with Art Fund.