Margot and Donald were both encouraged to pursue artistic careers and both assisted their father on the Queen Mary's interior decoration in the 1930s.

[1][2] Gilbert had an educational career that spanned western Europe, India and the United States.

Having completed his studies at these two schools, Gilbert sought out training around the world: in India, the United States, Belgium, France and Germany.

In 1898 he co-founded the Bromsgrove Guild with William Whitehouse and the Birmingham architectural firm, Crouch and Butler.

[1][2] Their collaborations included, among others:[1][2] Gilbert was director of the Guild from 1899 until 1918,[nb 2] then he went to H. H. Martyn where until 1940 he was assistant manager.