Sir Peter O'Sullevan

While National Gallery warden and inveterate punter John Gilbert dreamed of his young son Terry becoming a jockey and aiding his daily bid to seperate the bookmakers from their money, Gilbert junior was focussing on the distinguished works which his father was paid to oversee.

His precocious talent for replicating the technique of the masters inevitably made Camberwell College of Arts a more suitable objective than the racecourse.

Here the south Londoner's skills were so developed that by the age of sixteen - the year his father died - he was already en route to firm establishment in the competitive arena of commercial art.

But the keen eye and interpretative skills of Terence John Gilbert ensured that his international renown would transcend all boundaries. From California to Calif the demand for his work is reflected in brilliantly successful exhibitions from Hollywood to the Emirates and intermediary points - as at the Royal Henley Regatta.

For it is Terence Gilbert's versatility, knowlwdge of anatomy and outstanding draftsmanship that make him the outstanding chronicler of the passing scene that he is.

From this admirer's standpoint it is a happy detail that Gilbert senior's appreciation of the horse is continually reflected in the vibrant work of his marvellously gifted son.