The Peter Phillips Collection.
I am not really a collector of keys and locks but I inherited an interest from my late father who was a locksmith and safe engineer, together with some of his tools and equipement and key samples etc.
Yesterday, as a member of the local brass band, I attended the Navestock Flower Festival which is held anually at St Thomas the Apostle Church near Ongar in Essex. I was reminded of the first time that I visited this event some 30 years ago when it was much larger and more prestigous. On that occaision I was privaleged to see a most interesting collection of locks and keys which I, and my wife, have never forgotten.
The collection was the life-time work and accumulation of Mr Peter Phillips, who although an elderly man, was present and taking a great interest in the proceedings as several of his younger assistants showed and demonstrated the vast collection of exhibits. These included Roman padlocks, reproductions of Egyptian and very early locks, giant Victorian presentation keys as well as antique locksmiths tools and lock-picks etc.
Many of the items had been beautfully repaired and restored by Mr Phillips as evidenced by the many photographs and I remember being very impressed with his fine welding and metal manipulation skills. When I became involved with motor restoration several years later I became even more impressed with the high level of craftsmanship that I had seen that day!
As I remember, Mr Phillips was a stocky man well into his seventies, used a stick, but still retained an intense and energetic persona,....I remember that the only time he spoke or interrupted the demonstrations was to respond with great irritation to a flippant remark by one of the audience.
So, for the last 30 years or so I have often wondered; who was Mr Phillips, why did he bring his incredible collection to a flower festival in the middle of Essex and what eventually happened to his lifetimes work and passion??
Re: The Peter Phillips Collection.
I never met Peter, although I can answer the last part of your questions. His collection was finally sold off after he passed away. The auction was at Sothebys in November of 2002 and the total value of the sale was over two hundred thousand pounds (I think - I cannot locate my copy of the realization list). I attended the auction however was unable to buy anything there such was the competition amongst collectors. I did however later acquire a fine Parnells key that is shown elsewhere on this site.
I do know that Peter showed his collection widely during his lifetime, as to why at a flower show - it maybe that it was closed to where he lived, or perhaps he liked flowers too ! I don't have the answers to those questions, maybe others do.
Re: The Peter Phillips Collection.
My understanding is that Peter Phillips was an engineer and in his middle age became a lock restorer. He was obviously a perfectionist. I saw his display at an antiques fair at Kimbolton. I was most impressed when I saw his display, even the boards were a work of art. He did not sell anything - simply displayed his boards. I enthusiastically introduced myself - "...I run a locksmiths business" said I... "oh yeah...right..." said he and turned away. I think the term 'old codger' was coined specially for him.
I had the privilage to buy a couple of his boards of keys - the rubbish ones no one else wanted! Plus a couple of other things.
The very sad thing is this collection could have been donated to a museum and his name would have lived on for ever. Sadly he left it too late and I suspect was poorly advised - or would not take advice. The stuff was distributed far and wide. One lock was sold for £25,000 plus 17.5% commission. Some single keys went for £6,000 each. It was a fabulous jaw dropping day - never to be forgotten.
Don't know if anyone else on the forum can shed any light on the man, the sale or the contents. I suggest it would be an interesting thread all of it's own. Maybe thats what we have here?
The Peter Phillips Collection.
Athough I never met Peter Phillips personally, I was familiar with his name and outstanding collection. The late Jim Evans sent me a copy of Bygones 5 (1980) that had an article he wrote entitled "Locks and Keys" (pp. 81 - 105). The article was illustrated with items from his personal collection, and they were of museum quality. He had a very impressive collection!