One small sketch of a squirrel from a bench end in Winchester Cathedral went on to inspire Gimson to design a set of fire dogs nearly 20 years later. Discover the story here.
He also sketched a number of chairs – including a Windsor chair that would inspire the first piece of furniture by him that survives, now belonging to the Leicester Secular Society, and a ladderback chair. Gimson would go on train with a traditional chair bodger in Herefordshire, Philip Clissett, and became skilled at making chairs like those he first saw on his travels.
Sketch of a squirrel from the Lady Chapel, Winchester Cathedral, 1886. This sketch went on to inspire his squirrel fire dogs.
These little demons, probably carved stone, show Gimson’s sense of humour.
These creatures are from a window jamb in Wincester Cathedral.
Gimson was interested in houses built in English venacular styles, like this sketch of the Manor House Inn, Ditcheat, Somerset.
This sketchbook has early evidence of Gimson’s interest in chairs, like this Windsor chair seen at the Manor House Inn, Ditcheat, Somerset.
He also sketched a ladderback chair at the Inn. In a few years he would be making them.
This sketch shows Gimson’s exquisite attention to detail – required, of course, in his profession as an architect.
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