Gilbert Adams (1906-1996)

Gilbert Adams (1906-1996)

Nude 1958

Oil on board signed

Probably best known as a photographer, he was also a talented painter and teacher. Brought up in Oxfordshire, studied at Reading University’s faculty of fine art, 1923–7. He was commissioned in 1945–51 by British Council to make series of photographs publicising Britain. From 1951–2 was technical advisor to Associated British Pathé Film, Coronation of H M Queen Elizabeth II.

From 1951–77 Adams was visiting lecturer in photography and fine art at Berkshire and South Oxfordshire Colleges of Art.

He showed with RBA, St Ives Society of Artists and Reading Guild of Artists. Was a noted photographer of children, work being published in many magazines. In 1985–6 his work was included in a Brotherhood of Ruralists and Friends show at Piccadilly Gallery.

Imperial War Museum holds his work. In 2005, the Museum of Reading acquired a set of 30 photographic prints by both Gilbert and his father Marcus Adams. Ranging from a 1940s image of a Polish airman to a 1960s one of the singer Marianne Faithfull, Gilbert demonstrated his considerable versatility. Lived in St Ives, Cornwall.