Somerset Collector Who Championed Unknown Artists Leaves Legacy...
1st January 0001
An amazing private collection built over decades by a passionate Somerset collector, who quietly supported emerging artists long before many found fame, is now coming to light.
Included in the Lawrences 20th Century Modern Art & Design Sale is a large private collection of Art, Studio Pottery and Sculptures. More than 130 works of art, studio pottery and sculpture from the estate of Lionel and Beryl Phillips will be offered at auction this April, revealing the breadth of a lifetime spent discovering and encouraging creative talent.
Lionel Phillips, originally based in London, developed an early fascination with the grassroots art scene through the city's “Open Studios”, informal spaces where artists gathered to showcase their work. It was here that he began not only collecting, but forming lasting relationships with artists at the beginning of their careers.
Over time, his instinct for spotting talent proved remarkable. Many of the artists whose work he acquired would go on to achieve significant recognition, including figures such as Sir Terry Frost and Sokari Douglas Camp. Beyond collecting, Phillips played an active role in supporting the arts. He served as the longest-standing Director and Legal Advisor to the British Crafts Centre, maintaining close ties with makers and institutions across the country.
After relocating to Somerset, he turned his attention to the local creative scene. Noticing a lack of exhibition spaces, he helped bring contemporary work to venues including the Dillington House and Somerset College, creating opportunities for artists to reach new audiences.
He also became a familiar voice in the region through his monthly contributions to a local magazine, where he profiled artists he had encountered, often shining a spotlight on emerging talent. His interest in studio ceramics became a defining feature of the collection. He developed a deep knowledge of the field, acquiring works by leading potters such as Richard Batterham, Ken Eastman and Takeshi Yasuda, as well as local figures including John Leach.
Together with his wife Beryl, Phillips built a collection that reflects artistic quality and a lifetime of curiosity. Now, following their passing, the collection offers a rare glimpse into a personal journey through Britain's modern art and craft movement, one shaped as much by relationships as by reputation. The works are presented as part of our 20th Century Modern Art & Design sale, ending on 17th April at Lawrences Auctioneers.
