Gibbs and Canning Limited

Gibbs and Canning Limited was an English manufacturer of terracotta and, in particular, architectural terracotta, based in Glascote, Tamworth and founded in 1847.

The company manufactured a wide range of terracotta and faience: statues of lions and pelicans to adorn the Natural History Museum in London; architectural terracotta for banks and schools; and garden urns and planters. By the 1950s, when the factory finally closed, it was best known for more practical items such as drainage pipes, sinks, vases and jars.

Today, there is little evidence of the factory in Glascote, but the legacy lives on in the decoration and plumbing of many buildings in Britain’s major towns and cities.

Buildings featuring Gibbs and Canning terracotta

• Natural History Museum, South Kensington, London. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Both the interior and exterior statues, and the block-work, are Gibbs and Canning (G&C).
• Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington, London. The buff, ornamental terracotta on the exterior.
• 142 Holborn Bars, Prudential plc Assurance Building, Holborn, London. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse with all the red terracotta by G&C.
• Methodist Central Hall, Birmingham. Ornate, red terracotta.
• Imperial Buildings, Victoria Street/Whitechapel corner, Liverpool.
• Manchester Town Hall Designed, again by Alfred Waterhouse.

File:Natural History Museum London Jan 2006.jpg

Natural History Museum London: Every stone and statue is thought to be by Gibbs and Canning inside and out. Living animals on the one wing, and the extinct on the other.

Bibliography

• Streluk, A. (2006) "Gibbs & Canning of Glascote, Tamworth", Glazed Expressions, No.55 Spring

External links

• Research page including details of many buildings that used Gibbs and Canning terracotta
• Chemlinski Gallery - English Terracotta
• Tamworth Castle - has a small display Gibbs and Canning wares and manufacturing techniques