[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SIR ARTHUR GILBERT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional 
individual who has made an enormous contribution to the arts. In 
recognition of his valuable advancement of the arts worldwide, he has 
been knighted by the Queen of England, a great honor for both him and 
his wife Lady Marjorie Gilbert. This high distinction is rarely awarded 
to individuals outside Great Britain. It attests to Sir Gilbert's 
dignity, personal integrity, and contribution to Western culture. 
Arthur helped develop Los Angeles then went on to build one of the 
world's greatest collections of gold and silver art, as well as the 
world's premier collection of micro-mosaics. Receipt of this Knighthood 
represents a culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and a love 
for the arts.
  This gentleman epitomizes the twin values of hard work and 
generosity. Early in his life, he began a successful career in the 
clothing business. He went on to settle in California where he became 
an illustrious developer, helping to build a bright future for 
Californians. However, personal success was not enough, he became not 
only a generous benefactor of many charities, but started a rich 
collection of decorative art that combines both history and beauty. 
Indeed, he has long shared his priceless collections with the public 
and recently donated it to a museum in England so that the entire world 
can enjoy these exquisite, and often overlooked, forms of art. Arthur 
Gilbert has truly worked to turn his personal success into a lasting 
legacy of art for everyone and has thus brought honor on himself and us 
all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring this 
man who embodies the diligence and generosity to which we all aspire 
and whose dedication to the arts serves as an inspiration and a model 
to us all.
  We must support and honor individuals, like Arthur Gilbert, who 
cultivate artistic enthusiasm, understanding, and appreciation. Through 
such enterprising and charitable individuals, we are given a glimpse of 
how bright our future can be. A world filled with the dedication, hard 
work, altruism, and dignity that his well earned title of knight 
represent. thanks to Sir Arthur Gilbert's contribution to the arts, we 
know that the future will be a beautiful one that many future 
generations can appreciate.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to this October when Buckingham Palace 
will see the investiture of Sir Arthur Gilbert as a Knight Bachelor. I 
know that he, and Lady Marjorie Gilbert, will be justly proud.

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