As part of the programme of events celebrating master carver, Grinling Gibbons and 300 years of his life and legacy, we are delighted to welcome architectural historian, Professor Simon Thurley CBE discussed his new and highly acclaimed book, Palaces of Revolution: Life, Death & Art at the Stuart Court with an emphasis on Gibbons’s career working for the Stuart monarchs. Professor Thurley shared his first-hand experience of restoring burnt Gibbons carvings at Hampton Court.
Professor Thurley chairs the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. He was, for thirteen years, Chief Executive of English Heritage, the Government's principal advisor on the historic environment in England. Prior to joining English Heritage in 2002, he served as the Director of the Museum of London. Between 1989 and 1997 he was the Curator of Historic Royal Palaces. He is the author of twelve books and dozens of academic articles.
