The Gilson Blacks originated in Belgium and came to Australia via England through the Hargraves Bros. They formed the foundation of the famous Phoenix Blues family that Barry Divine built in the 1970s.
The Black Prince — sire of the Black Prince line — came from Hargraves Bros and traces its origins to Belgium. These birds have a long history of success in Australian racing pigeon competition.
Barry Divine built his own family of Pigeons in the 70s known as the Phoenix Blues, incorporating the Gilson Black bloodline. They were from Bill Eastcott senior — 600 Mile winner and a Union National Winner 400 Mile winner. The Phoenix Blues won everything in those days.
The Gilson Black is one of the oldest and most historically significant bloodlines maintained at Phoenix Lofts. Barry has only two pairs of each left and has been carefully preserving this unique bloodline for future generations.