Lot #16: "410", Ken Phillips, Oil on Board

Ken Phillips (1909-1983) and Marie Cecilia Guard (1908-2003),were that rare entity, a Canadian artist couple. They attended the Ontario College of Art during the dynamic years of 1928 to 1935 (when Marie completed a post-graduate year), as well as the Grand Central School of Design in New York in 1930. Their teachers included Arthur Lismer, J.W. Beatty, J.E.H. Macdonald, and Emanuel Hahn. By 1936 they had every reason to look forward to a brilliant future. In spite of the difficult economic climate of the Depression era and although they were only twenty- eight, my parents were exhibiting regularly in the prestigious O.S.A. (Ontario Society of Artists) and R.C.A. (Royal Canadian Academy) shows.

Passionate about his art, Ken Phillips, made the best of commuting to his job in Simpsons advertising department. Perhaps inspired by his favorite teacher, Arthur Lismers, caricatures, he drew everywhere.

Their are remains of an unfinished work on the back with his signature.