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. 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. ==Illustrated books and legacy==