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John Phillips

(1914-1996), Photographer

Artist of 2 portraits
Phillips was the first Life photographer assigned overseas and had a fifty-year career with the magazine. Described as the 'grandgodfather of photojournalism, a master of lenses and multiple languages; elegant, exuberant and chrome-steel effectual, who has recorded in his own peripatetic way some of the freshest footprints of history.' Born in Algeria, he moved with his family to France in 1925. His first assignment for Life came in 1936 covering Edward VIII's opening of Parliament. He was included in the magazine's first issue and went on to cover many events of the Second World War. His books include It Happened in our Lifetime (1985) and A Will to Survive (1977).

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Cecil Beaton
by John Phillips
NPG x40637

Cecil Beaton
by John Phillips
NPG x40636

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John Phillips

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