John Gilbert Biography

Sir John Gilbert RA (1817-1897) was an English artist, illustrator and engraver.

Gilbert was born in Blackheath, Surrey, and taught himself to paint. His only formal instruction was from George Lance. Skilled in several media, Gilbert gained the nickname, "the Walter Scott of painting", after the famed Scottish novelist, poet and historian, because both shared a his passion for past eras and battle scenes. He was best known for the illustrations and wood-engravings he produced for the Illustrated London News.

Gilbert was initially apprenticed to a firm of estate agents, but taught himself art by copying prints. He was unable to enter the Royal Academy Schools, but mastered watercolour, oils, and other media. From 1836 he exhibited at the Society of British Artists, and at the RA from 1838. The art patron Thomas Sheepshanks and the artist William Mulready suggested that he learn wood engraving. Starting with Punch, he moved on to the Illustrated London News. He designed an impressive number of wood-engravings (over 2000) for that publication and for The London Journal. He also produced very many illustrations for books, including nearly all the important English poets. He became president of the Royal Watercolour Society in 1871. He exhibited some 400 pictures in watercolour and oil exhibited at the various societies. In 1872 he was knighted. He became an RA in 1876, in the same year as Edward John Poynter.

The Gilbert-Garret Competition for Sketching Clubs was started in 1870 at St. Martins School of Art, and named after its first president, John Gilbert. In 1893 he presented a collection of his work to the Guildhall Art Gallery in the City of London.

Gilbert is buried at Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries.