Sir John Gilbert RA 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 Scott of painting”. 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 watercolor, 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. He became president of the Royal Watercolour Society in 1871. He exhibited some 400 pictures in watercolor 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.Gilbert is buried at Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries.