Philip Phillips (photographer) facts for kids
Joseph Philip Phillips (born 1857 or 1858 – died 1891 or 1892), known as Philip Phillips, was a talented photographer. He is most famous for his amazing pictures of the Forth Bridge being built in Scotland. These photos show how this huge bridge came to life!
Who Was Philip Phillips?
Philip Phillips was born in either 1857 or 1858. He went to school at Chester College in England. After school, he first worked for a mining engineer. Later, he became a merchant seaman, traveling the world on ships.
However, after getting sick with rheumatic fever in China, he stopped working on ships. That's when he found his passion for photography! He became very good at it.
Capturing the Forth Bridge
Philip Phillips got a special job as the official photographer for the Forth Bridge construction. This was a massive project, and his photos captured every step of its building. He took many pictures showing the huge steel structures and the workers.
His best photographs were put into a special book called The Forth Bridge illustrations 1886-1887. When this book came out, people loved it! It showed everyone how incredible the bridge's construction was.
His Family's Connection
Philip's father was named Joseph Phillips. He was also involved in big building projects, especially those using iron. His father worked on famous structures like the Crystal Palace and Birmingham New Street railway station. Interestingly, his father's company was even part of the group that helped build the Forth Bridge. So, building was in the family!
Philip Phillips sadly died at a young age, around 34 years old. He passed away after a short illness from influenza, which turned into pneumonia. He is buried at Handsworth Old Church near Birmingham.
