Obituary of Giles Pickering Gilson

Giles Pickering Gilson, passed away January 21, 2015. Giles was born in Elkins Park, PA, on July 19, 1942, a son to the late Harry and Frances Iredell Gilson. Giles Gilson was a world famous sculptor/wood worker with pieces in collections in the United States and around the world. Please see his website www.GilesGilson.com for information and photos. Giles father, Harry Gilson wore many hats, was a pilot and put Giles in the pilot's seat at age 9. Giles was a stunt pilot, and a saxophone blues musician who played with the James Cotton Blues Band in Philadelphia and the Out of Control Blues Band locally, then spent the remainder of his artistic life in his studio in Schenectady. Giles was known throughout the US and England (if not further) for his beautiful and sometimes whimsical, artwork. He had pieces on display in several museums and articles in several Art magazines over the years, both here and in England. He worked primarily in exotic woods and metals, and had a real knack for bringing out the beauty of wood grains in his turnings. He was also a part of a PBS show on New England craftsmen several years ago. He traveled around the country in earlier years, giving workshops and seminars on different aspects of his art. His grandfather, Emery Gilson, was an inventor and one of the 18 founding members of General Electric in Schenectady. Giles is survived by his son, Krys Gilson and numerous nieces. Services will be held at a time and date to be announced.