Ernest Gimson, 1864-1919, architect and designer
A blue plaque was unveiled in November 2008 at the former residence of a world-famous architect and craftsman after a three-year campaign. Ernest Gimson, one of the major designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, was born in Leicester in 1864. Gimson was a leading architect and furniture designer. He and his family had lived at the house for many years before moving to London and then the Cotswolds.
The Victorian Society has been campaigning for three years for an English Heritage plaque to commemorate his work. It has worked with nine other organisations in Leicestershire to raise the required funding. The plaque, designed by Ned Heywood, was officially unveiled on Tuesday 11 November 2008, at his old home at 118 New Walk, Leicester.
The property is now part of the Belmont Hotel and owner James Bowie is more than happy to have the plaque outside on the wall. He said: "The Victorian Society approached me with the idea of this plaque – I immediately thought it was an excellent idea and was only too happy to accept. The quality of his work was fantastic."
Rowan Roenisch, conservation advisor for the Victorian Society in Leicester, said: "Leicester should be really proud of him and all that he has done."
Story: Leicester Mercury
