R. Gilbert, 82; Art Collector, Philanthropist

Rosalinde Gilbert, a designer who with her husband, Arthur, became a renowned philanthropist and art collector, has died at the age of 82.

Mrs. Gilbert, who died Sunday in Los Angeles, was a native of London, where in 1934 she began designing dinner and evening wear that was produced and marketed by her husband. They exported the clothing to Canada, the United States, South Africa, Iceland, Malaysia and Australia.

The couple moved to the United States in 1949 and became real estate developers.

As they prospered, they began collecting art, specializing in English silver and gold, mosaics and other unusual items.

The Gilberts, who were married 61 years, have been listed by Arts & Antiques magazine as among the top 100 American collectors.

Much of their art collection has been displayed and donated or designated for donation to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Their gifts include the Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert Miniature Mosaic Gallery and the Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert Silver and Gold Gallery.

Among their treasures seen at the museum have been a 148-piece collection of miniature gold snuffboxes, a mid-19th-Century Baccarat crystal table once owned by Liberace, and a richly decorated east Indian howdah, or seat used for riding an elephant.

The Gilberts also funded, among other philanthropies, the Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert Center for the Advancement of Scientific Research at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology.

Mrs. Gilbert is survived by her husband; their son, Colin; one granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren.

The family has asked that memorial donations be made to the French Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research, 11620 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90025, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.