Born in Paris in 1895, his aunt, Palmyre Gilles, introduces him to the art of repoussé (metal embossing). At the age of 12, Gilles makes a jewellery box for his mother. In 1926, he participated and distinguished himself in the annual salon organized by the Society of Decorative Artists in Paris.

First World War. Gilles is wounded in his right hand. Convalescing on a Norman farm, he recovers the use of his hand by milking cows.

At the end of the war, rehabilitated, he resumed his artistic activities in conjunction with the pursuit of business administration studies. And took over the import-export business from his father-in-law.

In 1927, he crossed the Atlantic and put his talent at the service of several personalities. In Detroit, he decorated the homes of the Fischer brothers of GM, and Mr. Mendelson of Chrysler.

He moved to California and worked as a set designer for the Universal Studios. He decorated the homes of film actors such as Mae West, Fredric March, Walt, and Roy Disney.

He then emigrated to Canada where he specialized in church decoration work. From 1940 to 1960, some forty Churches, Basilicas and Cathedrals in Canada, the United States and as far as Jamaica commissioned his works: Stations of the Cross, doors, tabernacles, communion grids, baptismal funds and more.

In 1942, Pope Pius XII commissioned him to create a gold and silver chalice that he gave to the Archdiocese of Montreal for the tercentenary of its foundation.

Since his death in 1979, his wife, daughters and granddaughter have perpetuated this disappearing art, with the same tradition of excellence.