1st Aug - 27th Sep 2023, Clocktower Atrium
Croydon from the palette of Evacustes Phipson
‘Old Town 1890’. Evacustes E. Phipson. No date. © Museum of Croydon. (reference M/1993/855).
High Street, Croydon, 1926. Evacustes E. Phipson. © Museum of Croydon. (reference M/1993/633).
Croydon Natural History & Scientific Society in conjunction with Museum of Croydon presents an exhibition of pictures of the works of the artist Evacustes Phipson who made watercolour sketches of buildings in Croydon from 1893 to c.1928.
Phipson’s paintings are of importance for showing buildings early in the twentieth century when Croydon was undergoing considerable change. Due to his particular interest in ancient architecture many show buildings not captured in surviving photographs of the period, and while many have been lost some remain, often hidden in our townscape.
Evacustes Phipson was an unusual character and his life story is as interesting as his paintings. As far as is known, the Croydon collection of the works of this almost unknown, itinerant artist is among the largest, if not the biggest in the world.
This free exhibition will be on show in Croydon Clocktower during August and September 2023. Look out for events taking place throughout August and September. Croydon Natural History & Scientific Society will be doing talks on Phipson and there will also be guided tours of the exhibition, as well as short, walking tours of Croydon town centre showing the locations of some of the paintings in the historic centre of Croydon. Go to their website to learn more: Phipson at Croydon – CROYDON NATURAL HISTORY & SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY (cnhss.co.uk)
