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Philip, John Birnie
(b London, 23 Nov 1824; d London, 2 March 1875). English sculptor. In 1842 he entered the Government School of Design at Somerset House, London, studying under J. R. Herbert. Philip’s earliest work was for the Palace of Westminster, London, where he assisted with ornamental carving. Most of his subsequent stone carving was executed for Sir George Gilbert Scott. Philip’s versatility and competence explain their successful association, which lasted from 1852 until his death. His works include the north porch (1857–60) of St Michael’s, Cornhill, London, with a tympanum relief of St Michael Overcoming Satan; the font, reredos and Catherine Parr monument (1859–c. 1865) in St Mary’s, Sudeley, Glos; the choir and crossing screens (1859–63) in Lichfield Cathedral; and spandrel figures (1875) for the Government Offices, Whitehall, London. Philip’s association with the Palace of Westminster was renewed with eight statues of monarchs (1868–9) for the Royal Gallery. Such commissions reinforced his status as an architectural sculptor and explain the rarity of his civic statues. An exception is Richard Oastler (bronze, erected 1869; Bradford, Rawson Square), portraying the factory reformer with two children, which effectively fuses realism with sentiment.
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