Art by a Dundee and north Fife father and daughter duo is being hosted in a joint exhibition at The Torrance Gallery in Edinburgh.
Twelve years after the passing of acclaimed DC Thomson illustrator Douglas Phillips, the exhibition is showcasing 17 of his evocative pieces alongside 14 of his daughter Deborah’s vibrant landscapes.
Douglas Phillips, a name synonymous with the rich artistic heritage of Dundee, is celebrated for his atmospheric depictions of the Mearns in both oil and watercolour.
His illustrious career spanned decades, particularly noted for his contributions to children’s literature in the 1960s and 70s, and his iconic covers for The People’s Friend under the pseudonym J. Campbell Kerr.
His portrayal of old Dundee remains etched in the memory of many locals, yet his broader acclaim as an accomplished artist across Scotland is less widely known.
Deborah Phillips, 59, a full-time landscape painter based in Wormit, has carved out her own niche in the art world, drawing inspiration from the stunning vistas of Scotland.
A graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in her home city of Dundee, her studio in Woodhaven, Wormit, overlooks the Tay to Dundee, a constant reminder of her father’s legacy and the artistic journey she continues.
This exhibition marks a significant moment as it intertwines their works, highlighting the distinct yet harmonious styles of the Phillips family.
Wormit artist reflects on upbringing
“Dad was a tremendous influence on me,” said Deborah.
“For as long as I can remember, I always had pens and pencils and bits of paper. He would encourage me to draw, and I even became the subject of some of his illustrations.
“There were several times as a girl that I can remember my dad putting books on the floor and saying ‘look pretend these are stepping stones. I want to draw how you would stand if you were on a stepping stone’. I used to be the subject for a lot of his illustrations.”
Born in 1926, Douglas’s prolific career included illustrating over 100 children’s books and producing more than 1,000 covers for The People’s Friend.
His work, often featuring detailed and charming scenes of rural and urban Scotland, has left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.
Before leaving DC Thomson in 1965 to concentrate full-time on painting, he illustrated for Rover comic, amongst others. He retained a close affiliation to DC Thomson for the rest of his life.
Smaller pieces featured in exhibition
The exhibition at the Torrance Gallery features a selection of his smaller pieces, predominantly watercolours and oils, showcasing his favourite spots along the east coast of Scotland, including Stonehaven, Catterline, and Johnshaven.
Deborah’s contributions to the exhibition include a variety of landscapes from across Scotland, capturing the essence of places like Drumeldrie in Fife, and the Isle of Arran.
Her works are known for their vibrant use of colour and dynamic compositions, offering a contemporary take on Scotland’s natural beauty.
This father-daughter exhibition is a rare glimpse into the shared yet distinct visions of two talented artists.
“We painted the same subjects, but our styles were very different,” Deborah said. “I think it’s wonderful that people can see the connection in our works while appreciating the individuality we each brought to our art.”
The genesis of this exhibition is as serendipitous as it is heartfelt. While delivering her paintings to the Torrance Gallery, Deborah engaged in a conversation with Fiona McCrindle, the gallery’s owner, about her father’s work.
What began as a suggestion to display a few of Douglas’s pieces quickly grew into a full-fledged joint exhibition.
“Fiona was very interested and said, ‘Why don’t you give me a few pieces, and we can show them again?’” Deborah recalled. “It started with six or seven, and then it ended up being 17.”
Deborah also features in Pittenweem Arts Festival
In addition to her contributions to the festival exhibition, Deborah has also been exhibiting in the Pittenweem Arts Festival. There, she transforms a former net shed into a tiny pop-up gallery. This venue, with its rubblestone walls and exposed rafters, offers an intimate and atmospheric setting for her work.
“It’s probably one of the smallest but most atmospheric venues,” she said with a smile. “Visitors could expect a dusting of sand and pantile dust when visiting.”
The Phillips family’s artistic lineage doesn’t end with Deborah. Her husband, Mark, is a graphic designer at the Beano, further cementing their household as a hub of creative talent.
“We’re a bit of an arty family,” she laughed, reflecting on the shared passion for art that permeates their lives.
The festival exhibition at the Torrance Gallery is a celebration of legacy, talent, and the enduring power of art to connect generations.
This exhibition is not just a tribute to a beloved artist and father, but also a testament to the vibrant, living tradition of Scottish art.
The exhibition at The Torrance Gallery in Edinburgh runs until September 8.
Conversation