John Phillip (1817–1867): The Painter of Spanish Dreams Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, John Phillip emerged from a modest family background to become one of the most distinctive Victorian Scottish painters—a figure affectionately nicknamed “Spanish Phillip.” His artistic journey began with an early recognition of talent; Lord Panmure generously funded his brief education at London’s Royal Academy of Arts in 1836 and subsequently secured Panmure's patronage for his formal training there. During this formative period, Phillip became embroiled in the influential clique led by Richard Dadd, a group…