English Playwright Watts Phillips

by World History Edu · November 20, 2024

Watts Phillips (1825–1874) was an English illustrator, novelist, and playwright, renowned for his play The Dead Heart, which inspired Charles Dickens‘ A Tale of Two Cities.

Known for his brilliance, energy, and humor, he faced significant life challenges with resilience. His sister Emma described him as buoyant yet prone to despondency, while friends noted his quick temper balanced by a readiness to reconcile. Phillips left a legacy of creativity and a reputation for his lively, spirited character.

Early Life and Background

Watts Phillips (1825–1874) was born in Hoxton, East London, to Esther Ann Watts and Thomas Phillips, a timber merchant and upholsterer. He was the second son of the family and the grandnephew of Giles Firman Phillips, a renowned watercolor artist known for his twilight-themed landscapes. Phillips initially aspired to become an actor and immersed himself in the theatrical world, associating with prominent figures such as John Baldwin Buckstone and Mrs. Nesbitt. He began his acting career in Edinburgh and later performed at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre.

However, the financial instability of acting led Phillips to pursue illustration at his father’s urging. He apprenticed under George Cruikshank, a celebrated artist and satirist, who became a lifelong friend. Phillips also studied oil painting alongside notable contemporaries like Holman Hunt. His connections with Cruikshank and the theater world introduced him to literary and artistic luminaries, including Samuel Phelps, Douglas Jerrold, and Mark Lemon.

Artistic Development and Personal Life

Phillips relocated to Paris to further his art education but fled to Brussels during the Revolutions of 1848 after narrowly escaping revolutionary violence. Returning to London in 1849, he began working as an illustrator for publisher David Bogue.

In 1851, Phillips married Mary Elizabeth Mariner, the daughter of a stockbroker. Their marriage was troubled, and they eventually separated, with Phillips citing her “ungovernable and wicked temper.” Elizabeth relocated to Wales, and Phillips formed a long-term relationship with Caroline Huskisson in Paris, with whom he had four children.

Phillips lived primarily in Paris, immersing himself in its vibrant cultural scene and forming friendships with literary giants like Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo. His bohemian lifestyle took a toll on his health, and by 1861, he began suffering from chronic ailments.

Career in Writing and Theater

Phillips initially gained recognition as a satirical writer and illustrator for the weekly paper Diogenes under the pseudonym “The Ragged Philosopher.” His sketches of London’s slums culminated in The Wild Tribes of London (1855), which was adapted for the stage. This success prompted Phillips to write his own plays.

Major Plays

Joseph Chavigny (1855): A critically acclaimed but commercially lukewarm production at the Adelphi Theatre.
The Dead Heart (1857): A breakthrough success that resonated with audiences for its gripping drama. It was staged in 1859 to coincide with the serialization of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.
Paper Wings (1860)
Lost in London (1867): A popular play showcasing his ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Amos Clark (1872): One of his final successful works.

Phillips was known for his terse and epigrammatic dialogue, which occasionally clashed with the audience’s preference for melodrama. His plays often combined elements of social critique and emotional depth, cementing his reputation as a playwright of note.

Image: Charles Dickens.

Controversies and Rivalries

Phillips faced accusations of plagiarism due to the similarities between The Dead Heart and Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. However, critics like Joseph Knight clarified that Phillips’ play had been read publicly in 1857, two years before Dickens’ serialized work began. The controversy caused Phillips great distress, though he later reconciled with Dickens in 1865.

Later Years and Challenges

Despite his initial successes, Phillips’ career faced setbacks due to the changing tastes of theatergoers and the financial instability of the theatrical world. Illness further limited his output, and by the late 1860s, he struggled to find consistent success. He returned to England permanently in 1866, retiring to Kent before moving to Brompton, London.

In his later years, Phillips continued to write prolifically, with works like On the Jury and Amos Clark achieving moderate success. His health continued to decline, and he passed away in 1874, leaving behind a complex legacy as a writer, illustrator, and playwright.

Legacy

Phillips’ works, particularly The Dead Heart, have endured in theatrical history, with a notable revival by Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre in 1893. His influence extended to literature and theater, blending social commentary with engaging storytelling.