British artist James George Philp is predominantly known for his spirited depictions of the Cornish coast. Born in Falmouth, Cornwall, details of his early artistic studies are unknown but he began receiving accolades in 1834.
As a boy, the shingle beaches and craggy cliffs of his local environment were a veritable playground. And it’s likely that, together with friends, he explored the coastline while regaling tales of cunning pirates and legendary shipwrecks. His community was buoyed by a thriving fishing industry and he would’ve often witnessed the fleet returning - navigating all weathers before unloading the catch.
These early experiences translated into a passion for the sea - with its abundant energy and epic proportions. At times, he painted tranquillity, gentle waters lapping across sun-drenched sands. While also, he captured the turmoil of a gale with white-tipped breakers crashing against the rocks.
In his formative years, his radiant works carried a sense of grandiose romanticism, but over time, with fashions changing, he pursued greater naturalism.
James George Philp exhibited extensively including at the Royal Academy and he was a member of the National Watercolor Society, the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. He’s represented in the Government Art Collection, Royal Collection Trust, and museums at Greenwich, Falmouth, Maidstone, Ulster, and Brighton & Hove.
1816
Born in Falmouth, Cornwall, England to Henry and Elizabeth Philp.
1834
Awarded a prize at the first Annual Exhibition of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society.
1836
Moved with his family to Bristol.
1846
Moved with his family to London.
1848
Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘Chudleigh Brook’ and ‘Poltesco, Cornwall’. He would exhibit nine works in total.
1851
Living in Falmouth.
1856
Became an Associate of the National Watercolor Society.
Became an Associate of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours.
1861
Married Jane Clifton.
Travelled to Wales.
1863
Travelled to Wales.
Became a Member of the National Watercolor Society.
Became a Member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours.
1881
Living in Falmouth.
1883
Became a Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
1885
Died in Falmouth.