Aubrey Gibson Australian businessman, philanthropist and art collector Date of Birth: 04.05.1901 Country: Australia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Business Career
3. Military Service
4. Art Patronage and Collection
5. European Study and Publications
6. Leadership and Philanthropy
7. Personal Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Born in 1901 in Kew, Melbourne, Australia, Aubrey Gibson was the third child of a Scottish businessman, John Gibson, and Ellen Lawson. He attended the University of Melbourne and briefly studied at an art school before realizing his lack of artistic talent.

Business Career

After leaving art school, Gibson began his business career as a salesman for the Hoover vacuum cleaner company. In 1933, he established his own electrical appliance company, A.H. Gibson. The company grew rapidly and, under the name A.H. Gibson Industries Ltd, was listed on the stock exchange from 1950 to 1959, with Gibson serving as its chairman and managing director.

Military Service

During World War II, Gibson served as a major in the Australian Army Reserve. As a volunteer with the 2nd AIF, he served in Australia and the Middle East from 1940 to 1942 as adjutant and quartermaster-general. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Reserve in 1945 and was appointed an honorary colonel on the retired list in 1951.

Art Patronage and Collection

Despite his lack of artistic ability, Gibson became a passionate art collector and patron throughout his life. In the 1950s and 1960s, he acquired a significant collection of works by renowned Australian artists, including Russell Drysdale, Albert Tucker, and John Brack. He also collected antique English silver, amassing a collection of over 560 pieces from artisans in over thirty countries.

European Study and Publications

Gibson's passion for silver led him to Europe in 1952, where he apprenticed with British silversmith Robert Stone. He documented his experiences in his only literary work, "The Rosebowl," which also chronicled a round-the-world trip he undertook with his wife in 1951.

Leadership and Philanthropy

Gibson served as chairman of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust (AETT) from 1954. The AETT played a pivotal role in establishing major Australian arts organizations, including Opera Australia, the Sydney and Melbourne Orchestras, and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

Personal Life and Legacy

Gibson married twice. He first wed Marjorie Isabel Kimpton in 1930 and had a daughter and son. After their divorce, he married Gertrude Jean Balfour in 1947 and had a son. He resided in Canberra towards the end of his business career and passed away on March 26, 1973.