William S. Gilbert

Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was the son of a naval surgeon and later novelist, also named William Gilbert. His family traveled a lot in his youth, and he was educated in Boulogne, France, before returning to England. After graduating from King’s College he turned to the Civil Service as the Royal Artillery was contracting after the Crimean War. Dissatisfied with his position, he turned to writing for several comic magazines before branching out into theater. In addition to writing plays, he also took on the role of director. It was not until 1871 that he had his first collaboration with Sir Arthur Sullivan, Thespis. It would be a few years before they would collaborate again, but together they created the “Savoy Operas.” These comic operas made both Gilbert and Sullivan household names throughout the world. Gilbert died of a heart attack at 74, trying to save a woman he was about to give a swimming lesson to.