John Gilbert (painter)

Sir John Gilbert RA (21 July 1817 – 5 October 1897) was an English artist, illustrator and engraver.

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.

The art patron Thomas Sheepshanks and the artist William Mulready suggested that he learn wood engraving.

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.