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1912 "Pre-Sinking" Titanic Oil on Canvas Sitting Portrait of Fearless Wireless Operator Jack Phillips
This fabulous portrait is of John George "Jack" Phillips of the Marconi Wireless Company, who was made famous by his tireless communiques right up until the sinking of the unsinkable, unthinkable tragic ship. Most importantly, the portrait is “PRE-SINKING,” as he sat for it while in Belfast in March of 1912, waiting for the Titanic to depart. Dated on verso "March 1912 Belfast" from the month he was first sent to Ireland to take over as Senior Wireless Operator for the Titanic. In his excitement at being named to this seemingly enviable position, he would sit for this portrait in a Belfast studio in his Titanic “White Star Line” uniform. Two months later, on May 31, 1912, the Titanic was launched into the Victoria Channel.Exceptional quality painting by a talented local Belfast artist is in tremendous detail. There is a proud sadness in the eyes of this hero that bespeaks what the future holds for him, his shipmates and his ship. Label on back reads: John George Phillips, Marconi Telegraph Operator, RMS Titanic, March 1912 Belfast, Painted by William “Billy” Barrett.” Originally came from the Phillips family as it was likely shipped back before he left, hence it was saved. Originally there was an intact letter dated 1922 which gave more details of the painting of “Uncle Jack who died on the Titanic ten years since,” but it has been lost to the ages. Measures 30x22” with some repairs to the back as shown. BIO: John George "Jack" Phillips (11 April 1887–15 April 1912) was a British wireless telegraphist aboard the RMS Titanic. He served as senior wireless operator on the maiden voyage of the ship. As the Titanic was sinking, Phillips worked tirelessly to send wireless messages to other ships to enlist their assistance with the rescue of the Titanic's passengers and crew.
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