Sir Claude Phillips was an English writer, art historian and critic for the Daily Telegraph, Manchester Guardian and other publications during the late 19th century. He was the first keeper of the Wallace Collection at Hertford House, writing its first catalogue, and held that post from 1900 until his retirement in 1911 whereupon he was knighted for his service. Phillips was considered one of the most eminent critics in Victorian Britain, and his numerous scholarly and art history books were widely read.
The second son of Robert Abraham Phillips and Helen Levy, Claude Phillips was born at Gloster Villa, Regents Park, London onJanuary 1846. He was educated in France and Germany prior to studying law at the University of London. He originally embarked on a career as a solicitor and was called to the bar in 1883. As a young barristeratlaw, he was often called to Italy on business and while there developed an interest in the arts.
Source: Wikipedia