Gilbert Adams was the son of Marcus Adams and the Grandson of Walton Adams. He was a skilled photographer too, having learnt his craft whilst working in the family business. He would often assist Marcus when he went to visit his famous clients. By 1934 Gilbert was established as a portrait photographer in his own right.
Like his father, Gilbert wanted to use his camera to capture moments when his sitter was most comfortable and relaxed. You can see this clearly in the (above) photograph of the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Anne in 1938. Gilbert continued his relationship with the Royal Family, and even directed lighting at the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
Gilbert opened his own studio in Market Place in Reading. As well as taking photographs there he would regularly host life drawing classes for Reading Guild of Artists. And for several years taught art at Reading, Bracknell and Henley Colleges
Gilbert was also an accomplished artist, he painted portraits and landscapes in oils. He was part of a large circle of artists, many of who he took photographs of, like his friends Henry Moore and Terry Frost.
As an artist gilbert took inspiration from many different things, one notable example is his connection with ballet. Images like this one are a good representation of his style. The figures are formally posed but it is taken from backstage from an angle not usually seen by the public, this makes the picture seem a lot more intimate.
Reading Museum has several examples of his work in their online collection