His journey to Petworth
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Gibbons served his apprenticeship there until about 1667 when he moved to England. Over the next few decades his talent and flamboyant Baroque style was sought after by wealthy patrons. Gibbons’ commissions, both in wood and stone, included the King’s Chapel, Windsor Castle (1680-2), St Paul’s Cathedral (1695-7) and Burghley House (1683-85).
The carvings here at Petworth, originally commissioned by Charles Seymour (1662-1748) and Elizabeth Percy (1667-1722), 6th Duke and Duchess of Somerset, represent Grinling Gibbons at the height of his skill and imagination in carving sculptural ornament.
Power and influence
In choosing a carver employed by King William III (1650-1702) and Queen Mary II (1662-94) the Duke and Duchess of Somerset were showing their allegiance and connections to the royal court. The sheet music in the musical trophy shows part of the semi-opera ‘Fairy Queen’ which was composed by Henry Purcell in 1692, to celebrate the 15th wedding anniversary of the royal couple.