Gibsone built and managed the first iron furnaces on the Tyne at Lemington and had a keen spare-time interest in conchology, the study of sea-shells. Over a period of twenty years he made over 700 watercolour drawings of shells, collected from all over Britain. This monumental collection was purchased by public subscription in 1890 and presented to Newcastle Central Library. The paintings are noted for their accuracy of form and colouring.