John Phillips was a barrister by training who had sat and passed the Institute’s examination at a later date.
The Resolution of Thanks to John referred to the grateful thanks of the Company for the distinguished services rendered by him in pioneering the formation of the Company in the year to 17 October 1979. For many years he had sought to establish a closer association between the Institute and the City of London and his efforts “were crowned with success upon the grant of the Livery to the Company by the Court of Aldermen on 19 July 1977, thus securing a permanent link between the profession and the City”. He had presided over the Company’s functions “with dignity, charm and wit and his masterly speeches at the Ladies’ Dinner in Painters’ Hall on 21 November 1978 and at the Livery Dinner in the Mansion House on 22 March 1979 will long be remembered. He brought added prestige to the Company by his attendance at ceremonies of the City Corporation and functions of other Livery Companies and City Institutions”.
His part in the Company’s affiliation with the Royal Army Pay Corps was also highlighted.
He served a second term as Master in 1986/87 due to the ill health of Senior Warden Sir Lindsay Ring.