Trevor Thomas Phillips was a distinguished English visual artist whose multifaceted career spanned painting, printmaking, and collage. He first gained recognition in the art world during his time at Camberwell College of Arts, where his innovative approach led to his work being featured in the prestigious Young Contemporaries Exhibition in 1964. His first solo exhibition followed shortly after at the AIA Galleries in London, marking the beginning of a prolific career characterized by a series of impactful exhibitions and collaborations.

Phillips is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work, A Humument: A Treated Victorian Novel, which transformed a Victorian text into a vibrant visual narrative. This project exemplified his unique ability to blend literature and visual art, earning him acclaim and establishing him as a pioneer in the field of artist books. Over the years, he published several editions of A Humument, each revising and expanding upon the original, showcasing his commitment to evolving his artistic vision.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Phillips expanded his artistic repertoire, engaging in diverse projects such as stage design and opera composition. His collaboration with Brian Eno on various musical projects and his role in the Scratch Orchestra highlighted his versatility and passion for interdisciplinary art. Notably, he received the Hunting Art Prize in 1988 for his portrait of Michael Kustow, further solidifying his reputation as a leading portrait artist.

In the later stages of his career, Phillips continued to innovate, curating significant exhibitions and contributing to public art projects, including the Peckham Renewal Project. His recognition as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2002 underscored his influence and contributions to the arts. Phillips’s legacy is marked by his ability to challenge perceptions of art, making him a celebrated figure in contemporary visual culture.