Born in Leicester in 1864, Ernest Gimson is remembered as one of the most influential designers of the British Arts and Crafts Movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
At the age of 19, Gimson attended a lecture on 'Art and Socialism' at the Leicester Secular Society given by William Morris and was greatly inspired by his ideas.
Morris encouraged Gimson to carry on his architectural training in London and gave him an introduction to the architect John Sedding. It was at John Sedding's studio where Gimson met Ernest Barnsley and subsequently, Sidney Barnsley. Also inspired by the ideas of William Morris, Ernest and Sidney moved with Gimson from London to the Cotswolds in 1893 to put their beliefs into practice, establishing a Cotswolds tradition of furniture making.
Gimson built a reputation for his distinctive style and superb quality, his work is characterised by simplicity of design and careful choice of woods.
