William Gilpin

Zoë Kinsley (Liverpool Hope University College)
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William Gilpin is perhaps best known for his writings on art and aesthetics, and particularly as the founder of the aesthetic school of the picturesque. However, it was the roles of schoolmaster and clergyman that most fundamentally shaped his life, and he developed innovative and enlightened theories on education and the disciplining of the young. Gilpin's literary output extends far beyond his popular travelogues and aesthetic tracts; he was also a prolific biographer and author of theological works aimed at the general reader.

Born on 4 June 1724 at Scaleby Castle, near Carlisle, in Cumberland, William Gilpin was the eldest son of Captain John Bernard Gilpin (1701-1776) and Matilda Langstaffe (1703-1773). The Gilpin family was well known in the north of England and the love of art

2079 words

Citation: Kinsley, Zoë. "William Gilpin". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 03 February 2005 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=1754, accessed 19 March 2024.]

1754 William Gilpin 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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