In May 1914, encouraged and helped by an American resident of Melbourne, Hugo Meyer, Gilbert went to London and in spite of the war persevered with his work as he was well over military age .
He exhibited at the Royal Academy where the sincerity of his work met with early appreciation, and in 1917 his marble head "The Critic" was purchased for the Tate Gallery through the Chantrey Bequest.
[3] Another important work was the group of three figures for the Matthew Flinders memorial which stands outside St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne.
He married again while in London and left a widow, Mabel Annette Gilbert, née Woodstock, with three children, daughter Marj, and identical twin sons, Charlie and Jim.
His grave is included in a self-guided heritage walk at the cemetery and information about his life and death are available on a sign posted at his graveside.