As a teenager Philippe’s paintings were seen by the acclaimed British artist L. S. Lowry who recognised his natural artistic talent and encouraged him to enrol at the Salford College of Art. It was during this time that his outstanding ability and creativity won him a scholarship to the world famous Chelsea College of Art and Design.

At Chelsea, Philippe was able to expand his horizons. He worked with various media including installation and video art. In 1982 he won the first International Video Festival, sponsored by Time Out Magazine, with this sponsorship award he was able to travel and work in Europe and the U.S.
Throughout the 1980’s Philippe continued to experiment with new media and techniques. His increasing desire to immerse himself in his art was explored in the BBC’s documentary series ‘Forty Minuets’. The programme focused on Philippe’s ‘personal’ performance art, involving painting in the nude, pushing the boundaries of creative expression and giving the artist a total sense of freedom.