George Fisher Gilmour

Gilmour was privately educated before attending the Kingston School of Art. He received instruction under the guidance of James Anthony Betts, completing his education around 1934.^[6] He worked through a studio in London while working part-time as an attendant at a car park. As World War II appeared inevitable and had already produced changes in British society, many were interested in preserving memories of the past before they disappeared. Artists were encouraged to create works to that end.^[7] Most of Gilmour's paintings from this period depict scenes from daily life in and around Kingston.^[8]

When World War II began, Gilmour volunteered as a fireman in the Auxiliary Fire Service and served with a fire brigade at Battersea until the end of the war. Following World War II, Gilmour became a civil servant. He continued to paint and exhibit broadly. He retired from public service in 1970. He trained his artistic technique in Italy and expanded his repertoire, writing plays and producing cine films.^[9] At least two of his plays were performed in amateur theatres.^[10] Two of his films - The Kepi and The Evening Student - were produced and distributed on a limited basis.^[11]

Gilmour's earliest works were his most critical successes.^[12] As a member of the Auxiliary Fire Service, Gilmour joined a group of artisans dubbed the Firemen Artists.^[13] With the help of the War Artists' Advisory Committee, the Firemen Artists exhibited throughout the UK and in special exhibitions in the US. In this regard, Gilmour's works were shown with the Royal Society of British Artists, the New English Art Club, the Royal Academy of Arts, and similar institutions.

After World War II, Gilmour continued to exhibit widely, including at events held by major UK arts organizations. While he never gained membership to a UK arts organization, he became a foreign member of the Society of French Artists, exhibiting each year at their annual event in Paris from 1950 through 1980.