Ronald Phillips obituary: eccentric antiques dealer trusted by royalty

The Times | 3 May 2026

Ronald Phillips never planned on dying, claiming he would live for ever. Even an Evening Standard cartoonist’s illustration of Ron (his preferred name) fishing an antique out of a swimming pool read “Ronald Phillips 5th February 1929 ad infinitum.” Now, if you walk down Mayfair’s Bruton Street, a photograph of Phillips — a man who used regularly to greet his own reflection in the mirror with, “By Jove, you’re good-looking” — sits in the window of his eponymous gallery.

• Caroline’s Life,
• Culture



View cutting image View PDF View Web page

We’re the lucky ones. We’re alive. But nothing will ever be the same

YOU Magazine | 19 Mar 2026

Sunday 14 December. It’s a perfect afternoon: sun, sand, surfers. I’m in Sydney visiting my two Londoner daughters who are here living the Australian dream. My 28-year-old, Ella, is at the beach with friends; her elder sister Anya, 30, is out with her boyfriend. So I go for a swim alone at the iconic oceanside pool, Icebergs. Afterwards I stroll along Bondi Beach photographing women celebrating Christmas around their tiny tree. Nearby, I hear firecrackers.

• Caroline’s Life,
• Current Affairs



View cutting image View PDF