Peter Phillips, a forgotten pop-art pioneer from Birmingham, is finally getting his due with an exhibition that celebrates his groundbreaking work and deep connection to his hometown. Phillips, who passed away in 2025, was a key figure in the international pop art movement, ranking alongside renowned artists like David Hockney, Pauline Boty, Peter Blake, and later Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The outdoor exhibition, Pop Goes Brum!, will showcase his pioneering achievements and unique Brummie humor, reflecting his influence and impact on the art world.
Born in Bournville in 1939, Phillips' artistic journey began at Moseley School of Art and continued at Birmingham School of Art, where he taught and later moved to Coventry College of Art in the 1960s. His imagery and style were deeply rooted in Birmingham, drawing inspiration from the city's industrial landscape and car manufacturing. Phillips' airbrush technique, learned in Birmingham, became a signature element in his paintings throughout his career.
After moving to London to study at the Royal College of Art, Phillips found himself in the company of influential artists like Sir Peter Blake, Pauline Boty, and David Hockney. His close association with American pop artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein further solidified his place in the inner circle of the movement. Phillips' early success allowed him to pursue his artistic vision without the constraints of the art press, making him a Brummie outsider until the end of his life.
One of the highlights of Phillips' career was his involvement in Ken Russell's 1962 film, Pop Goes the Easel, and the creation of idents for the BBC Four Goes Pop series. His organizational skills were also evident in a 1961 exhibition that launched British pop art, solidifying his role as a mover and shaker within the movement.
The exhibition, curated by art historian Ruth Millington, aims to rectify the oversight of Phillips' contribution to Birmingham's cultural heritage. Millington emphasizes the importance of celebrating Phillips' work, given its focus on popular culture and everyday life. The free outdoor exhibition in Snow Hill Square, running from June 9 to 30, will feature Phillips' works and contemporary pieces by city art students, providing a platform for his legacy and reconnecting Birmingham with one of its most significant cultural trailblazers.
