James Gibbs
(1682-1754)
Died aged c. 72
Wikidata WikipediaJames Gibbs (23 December 1682 – 5 August 1754) was one of Britain's most influential architects. Born in Aberdeen, he trained as an architect in Rome, and practised mainly in England. He is an important figure whose work spanned the transition between English Baroque architecture and Georgian architecture heavily influenced by Andrea Palladio. Among his most important works are St Martin-in-the-Fields (at Trafalgar Square), the cylindrical, domed Radcliffe Camera at Oxford University, and the Senate House at Cambridge University. Gibbs very privately was a Roman Catholic and a Tory. Because of this and his age, he had a somewhat removed relation to the Palladian movement which came to dominate English architecture during his career. The Palladians were largely Whigs, led by Lord Burlington and Colen Campbell, a fellow Scot who developed a rivalry with Gibbs. Gibbs' professional Italian training under the Baroque master Carlo Fontana also set him uniquely apart from the Palladian school. However, despite being unfashionable, he gained a number of Tory patrons and clients, and became hugely influential through his published works, which became popular as pattern books for architecture. The naming of the Gibbs surround for doors and windows, which he certainly did not invent, testifies to this influence. His architectural style did incorporate Palladian elements, as well as forms from Italian Baroque and Inigo Jones (1573–1652), but was most strongly influenced by the work of Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723), who was an early supporter of Gibbs. Overall, Gibbs was an individual who formed his own style independently of current fashions. Architectural historian John Summerson describes his work as the fulfilment of Wren's architectural ideas, which were not fully developed in his own buildings. Despite the influence of his books, Gibbs, as a stylistic outsider, had little effect on the later direction of British architecture, which saw the rise of Neoclassicism shortly after his death.
DbPedia
Commemorated on 5 plaques
James Gibbs architect (1682-1754) designed this church
West St Nicholas Church, West Wall, Union Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom where they designed
Holy Trinity Church Founded by Peter Legh of Lyme Hall in 1709 Holy Trinity was rebuilt in 1760, probably to a design by James Gibbs, the architect of Warrington's Town Hall. The town clock in the tower above has a bell dating from 1647 which once hung in the Court House in the Old Market Place (Golden Square.)
Holy Trinity Church, Market Gate, Sankey Street, Warrington, United Kingdom where they designed
Bank Hall Built 1749-50 by world-famous architect James Gibbs as a home for local businessman Thomas Patten. Gibbs had previously designed St. Martin in the Fields Church in London and the Radcliffe Library in Oxford whilst Patten's wealth came from his copper works at Bank Quay. The building was bought from the family to become Warrington's Town Hall in 1872.
Town Hall, Warrington, United Kingdom where they designed (1749-1750)
Some Notable People Buried Here Edward Forset Lord of the Manor 1630 Sir Edmund Douce Cupbearer to 2 Queens 1644 Dame Francis Howland 1668 Claudius de Crespigny and his wife 1695 Maria de Vierville French refugees 1708 Humphrey Wanley Librarian 1726 James Figg Pugilist 1734 James Gibbs Architect 1754 Edmond Hoyle Writer on games 1769 John Rysbrack Sculptor 1770 John Allen Royal Apothecary 1774 James Ferguson Astronomer 1776 Allan Ramsey Painter 1784 Charles Wesley Divine 1788 Stephen Storace Composer 1796 George Stubbs Painter 1806 3rd Duke of Portland Lord of the Manor 1809 Caroline Watson Engraver 1814
Garden of Rest, Marylebone High Street, London, United Kingdom where they designed
Some Facts of Interest in the History of the Old Church The Church was built to replace the former Church of St John at Tyburn 1400 Francis Bacon was married here 1606 William Hogarth portrayed the interior of the Church 1735 James Gibbs Architect, pupil of Wren was buried here 1754 Richard Brinsley Sheridan married Miss Linley here 1773 Charles Wesley brother of John Wesley was buried here 1788 Lord Byron was baptized here 1788 Lord Nelson worshipped here and Horatia his only child was baptized here 1803
Garden of Rest, Marylebone High Street, London, United Kingdom where they designed