Collections

Robert Gibb was one of the foundation Associates of the RSA in 1826 but returned and became an Academician in 1829 under the Hope and Cockburn Award.

He specialised in landscapes in oil and watercolour but his colour was often criticised, most famously by Alexander Nasmyth, for being rather crude. He exhibited at the RSA from 1830 until 1834.

He was appointed to the staff at the Edinburgh Drawing Institution in Hill Street in 1827 as second Principal Master to George Simson and retained that position until 1831 when he set up his own classes in drawing and painting in oils and watercolours, and perspective. he maintained these classes (Gibb's Academy) until at least 1832.

An auction sale held by C B Tait in his Edinburgh rooms on 1835-05-04 of "The Drawings and Sketches of R Gibb SA and RIA" suggests that this may mark the onset of the illness that was to kill Gibb.

He suffered from mental health issues and was admitted to Morningside Asylum where he spent the last few months of his life and where he died. His death is recorded in the Old Parish Register for St Cuthbert's parish. The cause of death was given as "decline" but contemporary obituaries referred to a "long and severe illness" and a "lingering malady."

RSA Voucher collection indicate that the Academy contributed to his upkeep during this period, making three separate payment of of £7.10/- each between march and September 1837 to cover his board. The Academy paid out a further £8.13/6d to cover his funeral expenses at Edinburgh's West Church.