Page:Dictionary of Artists of the English School (1878).djvu/211

 GUL

GWY

He exhibited once more in 1838, ' Phaeton driving the Chariot of the Sun' his last exhibited work. He painted, * The Trans- figuration/ an altar-piece 40 feet high, for St. Thomas's Church, Salisbury. In 1829 he published an * Inquiry into the Causes of the Decline of Historical Painting.'

GULSTON, Elizabeth, amateur. Daughter of Joseph Gulston, Esq., of Ealing Grove, Middlesex, who possessed a good collection of English portraits. Of these she reproduced several by her etch- ings, which are enumerated in Bromley's 'Catalogue.' She was an honorary ex- hibitor at the Academy in 1801, but her name does not appear subsequently. She died before 1840.

GWILT, George, architect Appointed in 1770 surveyor of the county of Surrey. Built Horsemonger Lane GaoL completed 1790, and later the Sessions House, New- ington, since pulled down. In 1800 he was appointed architect of the West India Dock Cempany, and built the Company's warehouse m the Isle of Dogs. Died Dec. 9, 1807, in his 62nd year.

GWILT, George, architect. Son of the foregoing. Born May 8, 1775. Brought up to his father's profession. Restored, between 1822-25, the choir and tower of St. Mary Overy's Church, South wark, and after a visit to Italy in 1825, the Lady Chapel, which he completed in 1834. He also designed the first 10 of the alms- houses of ' Cure's College,' in that parish. His restorations were made with skill and accuracy. He communicated some interest- ing papers to the Society of Antiquaries. Died May 26, 1856. He had two sons, who gave promise of ability in his pro- fession, but died young.

GWILT, Joseph, architect. Born January 11, 1784. Younger brother of the foregoing. Studied in his father's office ana in the schools of the Academy. He travelled in Italy during 1816-18, and on his return was engaged in the erection of some residences. The rectory at East Woodhay, Hants : Mackree Castle, Sligo ; and a church at Charlton, are his principal works. He exhibited at the Academy on one or two occasions only. He was much employed as a surveyor, and is chiefly known by his professional writings. He is the author of the 'Encyclopaedia of Architecture ' and some other useful works.

G WINN, James, designer and engraver. Was born in the county of Kildare^and is believed to have been self-taught. He was originally a coach painter. He came to London about 1755, and lodged at a public- house in the Broad Sanctuary, Westminster. He painted some marine subjects and was a neat draftsman. He gained his livelihood by his designs for the lids of snuff-boxes for the Battersea manufactory of enamels. 190

But he was an eccentric man, worked at his art only for a mere subsistence, and secluding himself from everybody, devoted every spare hour to the study of the occult sciences. He fell into great distress, was so absent as often to forget his food, and was found dead in his chamber, probably, it was thought, the victim of a rude joke, April 26. 1769.

GWYNN, John, R.A., architect. Was born at Shrewsbury, but the date of his birth is unknown. He was distinguished as a well-educated man. It is not known that he was originally brought up as an architect, but his name first appears as a writer on subjects connected with that pro- fession. In 1734 he published an ' Essay on Harmony in Situation and Building;' in 1742, * The Art of Architecture, a Poem,' followed by two non-professional works; and in 1749, his 'Essay on Design.' In this essay, which is the work of a scholar, he vindicates the genius of his country- men, shows the necessity that drawing and design should be extensively taught, and suggests the foundation of a public academy. In 1752 he published, in conjunction with Samuel Wale, a clever transverse section of St. Paul's Cathedral. While engaged in measuring outside on the top of the dome for this section, and intent upon his work, he missed his footing and slid down the vast convex surface until he was arrested by a small projecting piece of lead, where he remained until he was discovered and rescued by his assistants. He was an unsuccessful competitor in 1759 for the proposed new bridge at Blackfriars, and on the controversy that ensued as to the use of circular or elliptical arches, he was sup-

S>rted by the influence of his steady friend r. Johnson. He travelled in the Northern counties, and made numerous drawings. He was a contributor to the first Artists' Exhibition in 1760. In 1764 he published his ingenious work, * London and Westmin- ster Improved,' and at that time projected several main fines of streets, since carried out. He was in 1768 nominated one of the foundation members of the Royal Academy, having been one of the members of a small committee who, 12 years before, had at- tempted to found an institution of the same kind. He was a contributor to the early exhibitions, sending, in 1771, * Designs for erecting the British Museum opposite the Horse Guards by adding to Whitehall Chapel.' He built two bridges over the Severn, one near Shrewsbury in 1774, the second at Worcester in 1781. He carried out many improvements at Oxford, and built the new oridge over the two arms of the Cherwell at Magdalen Hall; also the market and the workhouse. He passed the latter part of his life at Worcester, where he died February 27, 1786, and was buried.