Walter Joseph (W.J.) Phillips
ASA CPE CSPWC RCA
1884 - 1963
Canadian
Mamalilicoola, BC
colour woodcut on paper, 1928
signed and signed in the block, titled and editioned 12/100
12 1/8 x 13 7/8 in, 30.8 x 35.2 cm
Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave
PROVENANCE
Petley Jones Gallery, Vancouver
Private Collection, Victoria
LITERATURE
Duncan Campbell Scott, Walter J. Phillips, 1947, reproduced page 19
Walter J. Phillips, Wet Paint, undated, unpublished manuscript, Glenbow Museum archives, M-969-4, described page 104
Michael J. Gribbon, Walter J. Phillips, A Selection of His Works and Thoughts, National Gallery of Canada, 1978, reproduced page 67
Roger Boulet, The Tranquility and the Turbulence, 1981, page 101, reproduced page 100
Roger Boulet, Walter J. Phillips: The Complete Graphic Works, 1981, reproduced page 293
Maria Tippett and Douglas Cole, Phillips in Print: The Selected Writings of Walter J. Phillips on Canadian Nature and Art, Manitoba Record Society, 1982, reproduced, unpaginated
In 1927, Walter J. Phillips, one of Canada’s premier artists in the mediums of watercolour and printmaking, embarked on his first journey to the West Coast of British Columbia. His travels took him to Alert Bay and the surrounding areas, where he explored remote villages such as Mamalilicoola by boat (’Mimkwamlis). The unique, ever-changing landscapes of the region captivated him, with their humid atmosphere and shifting skies. Phillips was particularly taken by the beauty of the village, which offered a breathtaking view across layers of islands towards the snow-capped peaks of Vancouver Island.
After hiking through what he called the “green twilight” to the village, Phillips encountered the centrepiece of his large woodcut: a towering and magnificent totem pole. This totem stood in front of a community house, its pediment intricately carved and painted with an allegorical sun figure, flanked by two fish. As Phillips explored the village further, he marveled at the totems, house posts, and “zunuks” (Dzunukwa), finding ample inspiration for days of sketching.
The West Coast experience left a lasting impression on Phillips. He later reflected, “I regretted leaving the coast, and I long to return.” His woodcut Mamalilicoola, BC, renowned for its beauty and exquisite detail, remains one of Phillips’s most celebrated works.
This woodcut was produced in a limited edition of 100. Listen Stop
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.
ASA CPE CSPWC RCA
1884 - 1963
Canadian
Mamalilicoola, BC
colour woodcut on paper, 1928
signed and signed in the block, titled and editioned 12/100
12 1/8 x 13 7/8 in, 30.8 x 35.2 cm
Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave
PROVENANCE
Petley Jones Gallery, Vancouver
Private Collection, Victoria
LITERATURE
Duncan Campbell Scott, Walter J. Phillips, 1947, reproduced page 19
Walter J. Phillips, Wet Paint, undated, unpublished manuscript, Glenbow Museum archives, M-969-4, described page 104
Michael J. Gribbon, Walter J. Phillips, A Selection of His Works and Thoughts, National Gallery of Canada, 1978, reproduced page 67
Roger Boulet, The Tranquility and the Turbulence, 1981, page 101, reproduced page 100
Roger Boulet, Walter J. Phillips: The Complete Graphic Works, 1981, reproduced page 293
Maria Tippett and Douglas Cole, Phillips in Print: The Selected Writings of Walter J. Phillips on Canadian Nature and Art, Manitoba Record Society, 1982, reproduced, unpaginated
In 1927, Walter J. Phillips, one of Canada’s premier artists in the mediums of watercolour and printmaking, embarked on his first journey to the West Coast of British Columbia. His travels took him to Alert Bay and the surrounding areas, where he explored remote villages such as Mamalilicoola by boat (’Mimkwamlis). The unique, ever-changing landscapes of the region captivated him, with their humid atmosphere and shifting skies. Phillips was particularly taken by the beauty of the village, which offered a breathtaking view across layers of islands towards the snow-capped peaks of Vancouver Island.
After hiking through what he called the “green twilight” to the village, Phillips encountered the centrepiece of his large woodcut: a towering and magnificent totem pole. This totem stood in front of a community house, its pediment intricately carved and painted with an allegorical sun figure, flanked by two fish. As Phillips explored the village further, he marveled at the totems, house posts, and “zunuks” (Dzunukwa), finding ample inspiration for days of sketching.
The West Coast experience left a lasting impression on Phillips. He later reflected, “I regretted leaving the coast, and I long to return.” His woodcut Mamalilicoola, BC, renowned for its beauty and exquisite detail, remains one of Phillips’s most celebrated works.
This woodcut was produced in a limited edition of 100. Listen Stop
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.
