

Elin Bornemann – Grinling Gibbons: His life, work and the Abingdon Mirror
Abingdon County Hall Museum is proud to have an exquisitely carved frame probably by Grinling Gibbons, now containing a mirror, on permanent display. Gibbons was the premier woodcarver of his age, and his artistic achievements and craftsmanship are still held in high esteem today. His work adorns many of the great houses of this country but is also found in some lesser known places. The talk will take the frame as the starting point for an exploration of Gibbons’ life and work in its historic context, the significance of his time in Holland and the influences on his style, before returning to the Abingdon frame for a more detailed examination. After taking a degree in History and an MA in Museum Studies, Elin worked in the management of collections at Tyne and Wear Museums, the Pitt Rivers Museum and the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments. She has been Collections Officer at Abingdon County Hall Museum since 2015.