A Friend of Art
SIR,—Knowing that the publication of obituary notices is not your general practice, I. should be deeply grateful were you able to print this short tribute to Cecil Phillips, who died last week. I am writing as a Young painter, and, I am certain, on behalf of countless other artists of all ages, whom Cecil Phillips helped and encouraged during a lifetime dedicated to the Leicester GallEries, which he founded with his brother Wilfred fifty years ago next year.
The list of first exhibitions held in London at his gallery includes almost all the famous names from the Continent (Cezanne, Degas,
Matisse, Klee and Picasso, to name only a few). Apart from these " giants," Cecil Phillips, as a result of frequent journeys of discovery to the Continent, was able to introduce to England many youthful names that have since become well known. -How much more was he able to do, with his partner Oliver Brown, for the painters of the British Isles and Eire. He will surely be remembered by them as a friend, willing at all times to give advice, and the sense of security that came from the know- ledge that he had their interests at heart.
To the large public who were visitors to the gallery he acted as a charming host, courteous and gentle, never pushing himself forward or interrupting their browsing, but always at hand to listen and offer his services. Much of the sympathetic atmosphere to be found at the gallery was due to him and to the rare trust that both artists and buyers were always able to place in him and his partner. Our loss is indeed a great
Travellers Club, Pall Mall.
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