Details of Sculptor

Surname

Selden

Alternative Surname

First Name

John

Initial of Surname

S

Year of Birth/Baptism

Flourished

Year of Death

- 1715

Biographical Details

He assisted Grinling Gibbons at Petworth, where he provided much robust wood-carving. The Selden family first appeared in the Petworth parish registers in the early 17th century. John Selden was working in the house in 1687 and he appeared in the accounts until they cease in 1697. He was several times paid a lump sum of £40, which may have been his year’s wages. Like many other carvers, he appears to have been skilful at working both in stone and wood. In John Bowen’s account roll for 1696 there are payments for sending letters to John Selden about Portland stone as well as a long detailed entry about various wood- and stone-carving including mouldings, festoons and even a periwig stand.
Vertue noted ‘in the Carvd Room. richly adord with Sculpture. of flowers, festoons & fruit birds & boys-&c.. by Gibbons. & Selden who wrought there many Years. this man lost his life by saving the carving from being burnt when the house was on fire’ (Vertue II, 81). He was buried at Petworth on 12 January 1715.
Literary References: Beard 1989 (1), 37, 39-40, 41, 192, 193