Birmingham's Pop Art Pioneer Peter Phillips Gets His Spotlight at Last!

Peter Phillips was a pioneering pop artist from Birmingham who played a major role in the international pop art movement. Despite his influence and success, he became one of Birmingham's most overlooked creative figures. Now, the city is finally honoring him with an outdoor exhibition called Pop Goes Brum, which will showcase his vibrant and innovative works. The exhibition aims to celebrate both his artistic achievements and his deep connection to Birmingham, the city where he was born and which inspired much of his art.

Born in Bournville in 1939, Peter Phillips showed an early talent for art. He attended Moseley School of Art at the age of 13 and later studied at Birmingham School of Art. He even returned to teach at his old school and at Coventry College of Art during the 1960s. Phillips was known for using images from Birmingham's industrial landscape, especially car parts and machinery, which he would take apart and reassemble in his paintings. He learned a special airbrush technique in Birmingham that became a signature part of his style throughout his career.

After moving to London to study at the Royal College of Art, Phillips became friends with other famous British pop artists like David Hockney, Pauline Boty, and Peter Blake. He was also closely connected to American pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, exhibiting with them in New York and becoming part of their inner circle. Phillips was not only a talented artist but also an organizer, helping to launch British pop art with a major exhibition in 1961. His early success allowed him to travel and work in cities like London, New York, Zurich, and Australia, but he always kept his unique Birmingham humor and perspective.

Despite his international fame, Phillips remained somewhat of an outsider in his hometown. His work was featured on album covers for bands like The Strokes and The Cars, but Birmingham did not give him the recognition he deserved. Ruth Millington, an art historian and author, is curating the new exhibition to make sure his story is told and his contributions are remembered. She believes that a free outdoor exhibition is the perfect way to honor Phillips, as it reflects his focus on popular culture and everyday life. The exhibition will also include contemporary works by current Birmingham art students, connecting the city's artistic past and present.

The Pop Goes Brum exhibition will be held in Snow Hill Square from June 9 to June 30, in partnership with Birmingham School of Art and funded by Colmore BID. Melanie Williams from Colmore says the event will help Birmingham reconnect with one of its most significant cultural trailblazers. In memory of Peter Phillips, his family has also established a fund to support new artists. Through this exhibition, Birmingham is finally giving the 'prince of pop art' the recognition he deserves, ensuring that his legacy will inspire future generations of artists.