Birmingham Cathedral - a watercolour

Today, I ventured on a road trip to collect a painting of Birmingham Cathedral that a friend was showing on social media, on behalf of a third party. I spotted the listing last Friday morning, when certain details caught my eye. Firstly, the topic. Secondly, the artist’s name: A. Sheldon Phillips. Those who know me, will know why. Instantly, I wanted to know more. I messaged my friend asking for further details and later made arrangements to collect and pay today.  

​I simply loved the painting and felt a connection to my roots. I knew nothing of the artist, but loved the fact that his name contained Sheldon - where one set of grandparents lived for many, many years. Both of my parents were raised in Birmingham, though on marrying they moved away from the city. I have rung on the ring of twelve bells in the tower and had a tour of the stained-glass windows, during their renovation. 
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Once home, I was thrilled with my new purchase. I sat admiring the watercolour, which is pristine despite the wooden frame being damaged in a few places. I set about learning a little about the artist. On the rear of the painting was the title, artist’s name and an address in Sheldon, Birmingham. Literally, a short distance from my grandparent’s house! It seems fate, has played a hand yet again!

Artist’s bio:
Arthur Sheldon Phillips, 1914 - 2001, was a painter and designer born in Birmingham. He attended the Moseley Road School of Art 1926-30 and furthered his studies, at the Birmingham School of Art where his teachers included Bernard Fleetwood-Walker.

​For many years, he was employed as a scenic artist working variously for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with Paul Shelving, and for the BBC as a lettering artist and mural painter. His work in this area resulted in commissions that included a large mural for the Chateau Impney at Droitwich. Elected an Associate of the RBSA in 1987, Phillips became a full member in 1989 and he also showed at the RSMA, RI and RWS. His work which is predominantly watercolour is signed A. Sheldon Phillips and he was referred to as ‘Sheldon Phillips’. Examples of his work are in the collections of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Baron Philipe de Rothschild, the Royal Mail and the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.