Philipson?s early work predominantly focused on landscapes, still lifes and interiors. Then, late in the 1950s, the artist began to explore two further themes in his work: cathedral exteriors and the rose window. Philipson commented on his paintings of Venetian church interiors: ?What impressed me most about the Venetian churches ? San Marco above all ? was a sense of their beautifully lit spaces. They gave me a great desire to recreate all their visual aspects simultaneously, taking in their inspired intricate rhythms and richly saturated colour.?
Sir Robin Philipson (Scottish, 1916 - 1992)
Born in Cumbria, Philipson moved to Scotland with his family when he was fourteen. He studied at Edinburgh College of Art, where he joined the teaching staff in 1947 and taught until his retirement in 1982. His early work - mainly landscapes, still lifes and interiors - was strongly influenced by Kokoschka, whose painting `Zrani? Philipson had studied at length. Later in the 1950s he became interested in the work of the American Abstract Expressionists. He became particularly well known for his paintings of cock fights, which helped to establish his reputation as a painter. Philipson?s paintings were notable for their energy and use of rich, jewel-like colour. His diverse subjects included catherdral interiors, soldiers, exotic wild animals and poppies.
