Collection of drawings, prints and sketchbooks
Tom Phillips, c. 1955–2008

The collection consists of a comprehensive and representative group of drawings assembled by Phillips. It covers the whole range of his drawn work, from a drawing of his mother made before he went to University, to a set design for The Magic Flute at Opera Holland Park in 2008. Its centrepiece is the entire series of 107 drawings published in the book Merry Meetings, drawings done at board meetings at the British Museum, Royal Academy, and elsewhere (2005). It also includes studies for portraits; sketch books; life studies; collages; designs for the Westminster Cathedral chapel and St CatherineÂ’s College tapestries; designs for street furniture, for book covers, and for the Royal Mint; and studies towards the Dante project, for which a comprehensive body of material was acquired by the Bodleian Library in 2007 with an Art Fund grant.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Collection of drawings, prints and sketchbooks, c. 1955–2008
Date supported
2009
Medium and material
Various
Dimensions
Various
Grant
14000
Total cost
30000

Get a National Art Pass and explore Ashmolean Museum
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at Ashmolean Museum
10% off in shop
A selection of art books, textiles, ceramics and prints inspired by the Ashmolean collection. Enjoy 10% off with your National Art Pass.
Expires: 1 Jan 2026
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.