John and Elverda Phillips
Born in the western area of the modern-day Czech Republic (Bohemia, as it was known then), John Phillips immigrated to the United States at the age of three from and became a naturalized citizen in 1922.
Painting by John Phillips of his Lisle home (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
John met Elverda Mae Wilson soon after and the two were married in the 1930s. They moved from Chicago to Lisle in the 1950s and lived in the home he designed on Gamble Drive.
Painting by John Phillips of his Lisle home (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
The artwork on display shows a small sample of the work that John and Elverda completed in their lifetimes.
John
Edward Phillips (1887-1964)
John’s professional career as a self-employed artist lasted more than 50 years. He created commercial art including illustrations for magazines like the Saturday Evening Post (under the name John Hyde Phillips), designs for fine porcelain dishware and wallpaper, packaging for commercial products, floor plan designs, and political posters.
Porfolio of John Phillips china plate designs Porfolio of John Phillips china plate designs (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Click the small icon at the bottom to see some of John's designs in that were sold in Chicago to dealers from around the world.
Elverda Mae Phillips (1904-1995)
Elverda was a creative and talented artist who wrote poetry and created many works of art in her lifetime.
Musings of My Wife (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
"Extinguished" / Little abandoned thought! / Poor little abandoned thought! / You emerged so bravely from the dark / Of confusion. / You gathered color, beauty, animation as / You gained a foothold, but, / Poor little abandoned thought, / Your start was made in the dark / Of illusion! / Little abandoned thought! / Sad little abandoned thought! / Have you dazzled me with / Your light / Of intrusion! / You held ideas for a poem, / even a book, in / Your early brilliance; yet / Sad little abandoned thought, / Your light went out / ere I reached / My conclusion / Elverda M. Wilson
Personal Artworks
The personal artwork John and Elverda created each varied greatly in style, subject, and mediums, including portraits, landscapes, humorous images, and imaginary places.
Untitled painting by John Phillips (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Many of the Phillips' works shown landscapes and scenes from their home state of Illinois and the surrounding region on Lake Michigan.
Old Chicago (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
John had a fellowship with Chicago Painter and Sculptors, is listed in the Who’s Who in American Art, and was a member of the Chicago Public School Art Society.
Riverfront Industry (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Some of his award winning art was exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago from 1913-1931 and other galleries.
Close Call (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
The Museums at Lisle Station Park have some drafts and final versions of Phillips' Post covers and other professional work in our collections.
Park Recreation (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
To see John's Saturday Evening Post covers, visit www.saturdayeveningpost.com/artists and search for John Hyde Phillips.
Lifeguard's Milieu (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Surfing (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Duneland Cottage (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Illinois Riverbank (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Shapes #2 (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Farm Chores (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Lonely Highway (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
John created many works showing scenes from the middle and western United States, scenes from the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific coast.
Boathouse (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Mountain Home (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Mountain Lake (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Woodland Retreat (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
"Taos" (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Purple Mountains (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Pop and Modern Art
Many of John Phillips' personal artwork are is similar to the works done Norman Rockwell, who was painting during the same time period.
"Tani" (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
These portraits and close-up pictures are painted and drawn of realistic looking people and scenes inspired by daily life.
DeBut (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
John also explored art styles like Impressionism, Expressionism, and various Modern art styles of the time.
Executive (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
What Next? (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Drawing by John Phillips (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Tense Moments (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Tourist's Dilemma (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Tea Time (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Green Bird (1920/1964) by John E. PhillipsThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
The Museums at Lisle Station Park
A cooperative effort of the Lisle Park District, Lisle Heritage Society, and Village of Lisle
921 School Street, Lisle, IL 60532
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Phone: 630-968-0499
Email: museum@lisleparkdistrict.org
www.lisleparkdistrict.org/museumsatlislestationpark.html
