GIB
GIB
service of an architect and builder, and there, about 1700, he was introduced to the Earl of Mar, who had a great taste for architecture, and assisted him with money and introductions to enable him to visit Italy, where he pursued his studies, includ- ing sculpture and architecture, under the best masters for nearly 10 years.
About 1710 he came to England. His patron, who was then in the ministry ? and nigh in Court favour, recommended mm to the trustees under the Act for Building new Churches, but he was not employed by them till 1720-21, when he commenced the parish church of St. Martin-in-the -Fields, and soon after the church of St. Mary-le- Strand, completed in 1726. He also built and repaired several other churches, and rose to much professional distinction. He built at Oxford the Radcliffe Library, his greatest work, and the Gothic quadrangle of All Souls ; and at Cambridge^the Kings College Library and the Senate House. He also built St. Bartholomew's Hospital ; Dytchley House, Oxfordshire ; East An- tony House, Cornwall ; Braemar, Scotland ; and the mansions of many other families of distinction. The monument to the Duke of Newcastle in Westminster Abbey is after a design by him. He fell upon an opportune time, and with much work to be done, had few rivals. His works are marked by a propriety of character, heavy in their outline and details, and wanting in genius. His St. Martin's Church, which occupies a very commanding site, has per- haps been over-praised, but thougn marked by heaviness, is not without grandeur. St. Mary's, though lighter in outline, is over- ornamented. He published * The Book of Architecture/ a large folio of his designs, 1728 ; * Rules for Drawing the several Parts of Architecture/ 1732 ; and a * Description of the Radcliffe Library, with plans, &c. 1747.
He was afflicted with gravel and stone, and went to Spa in 1749, but without finding much relief. He died in London, August 5, 1754, and was buried in St. Marylebone Church. He lived a Roman Catholic and a bachelor. He left about 15,000£. among his friends, and an estate of 280/. per annum, with his plate and 1,000/., to Lord Erskine, the only son of his patron, who had plunged into the Civil War and was ruined. His books he bequeathed to the Radcliffe Library.
- GIBSON, Richard (known as 'The
Dwarf '), portrait painter. Born 1615, it is supposed in Cumberland. He was origin- ally page to a lady at Mortlake, and show- ing a taste for drawing was placed under P. Cleyne, who had the management of the tapestry works established there. He aft- erwards studied Lely's works and imitated his manner. His water-colour drawings 172
were well esteemed, but he was best known as a copyist of Lely. His works were good in colour, spiritedly painted, yet wanting in finish and refinement. Be gained the notice of Charles II., who ap- pointed him one of his pages. He married Ann Shepherd, the Queen's dwarf, the height of each being the same — 3 ft. 10 in. She was given away by the King. Lely painted their portraits hand in hand, and Waller wrote some verses on the occasion. He drew Cromwell's portrait several times. He instructed Queen Anne in drawing, and went to Holland to teach her sister Mary, when Princess of Orange. He died July 23, 1690, in his 75th year, and was buried in Covent Garden Church. The little couple had nine children, five of whom lived to maturity and attained the natural size.
GIBSON. Edward, portrait painter. Kinsman of Gibson the Dwarf, Walpole says his son. Instructed by him. He minted portraits in oil and in crayons, and found encouragement, particularly in the flatter manner. He was of some promise, but died in his 33rd year.
GIBSON, Susan Penelope, miniature painter. Daughter of Gibson the Dwarf. Fainted miniatures and in water-colours. A portrait of Bishop Burnet, in his robes as chancellor of the Order of the Garter ; is one of her most reputed works. She died in 1700, in her 48tn year.
GIBSON, William, miniature painter. Nephew of Gibson the Dwarf, by whom and also by Lely he was taught. He at- tained eminence as a miniaturist, and some eminent persons sat to him. He was an excellent copyist of Lely, part of whose col- lection he purchased after his death. He also brought into this country a number of fine works from the Continent. He died in 1702, aged 58.
GIBSON, Thomas, portrait painter. Born about 1680. Practised in the first part of the 18th century. He had for many years full employment, but his health failing, he disposed of his pictures about 1730, and retired to Oxford. Probably regaining health, he returned to London, where he died April 28, 1751, aged about 71. His portraits are well drawn and
Eainted, the expression good, and also the ands and drapery. Highmore said that when Sir James ThornhilL had a figure in difficult action he always applied to Gibson, who sketched it in for him. There is a portrait by him of Vertue, the engraver, dated 1723, at the Society of Antiquaries, and of Flamstead, the astronomer, at the Royal Society. Many of his portraits are engraved by C. White, J. Faber, Johnston, J. Simon, and one of Sir Robert Walpole, by Bockman. GIBSON, David Cooke, subject paint"
