The Art of Chester County

The Art of

Chester County Philip Lustig

BY BRUCE A. COLLEY, DO

From time to time we meet people who are a bit more than interesting; and rarely a person who is skilled at being interesting. This issue’s featured artist is one those, a gifted observer, analyzer, and commentator of our physical and cultural surroundings. Philip Lustig is a photographer, and multi-media artist and designer. Though all the artists and craftsmen we have featured are unique and breathtakingly talented, our featured artist for this issue is a talent for his generation, where many years of experiences has given him many insights as his career spans from 1950 to present-day.

Philip was born in Newark, N.J. and grew up there. His father was a cabinet maker and his mother was a noted New York fashion designer known as Countess Lustig. After high school he graduated from New York University with a degree in art. Then, following his mother’s footsteps Philip continued his schooling at Parsons School of Design. His entry into the fashion field was short lived due to its unsteady fluctuations. That gave him the incentive to return to an early passion for photography, which was a perfect fit.

The Art of Chester continued from page 17

The Art of Chester County

By serendipity, Philip’s first job was at the prestigious Photography Place Studio in NYC where he worked with many of the country’s best photographers. And because of his talent he was chosen to work with Sir Cecil Beaton, at the time the most famous photographer and theater designer in the world (ie. My Fair Lady and court photographer for Queen Elizabeth). In fact, Beaton had been an idol of Philip’s, calling this chance to be his assistant an act of fate. While assisting Sir Beaton, Philip met and helped photograph many of the world’s illuminati, such as Joan Crawford and Charles Addams. Phillip then moved on to become the photographer at Hilty Studios in New York City doing album covers for the likes of Buddy Holly and Lena Horn among many more. Then having been offered a contract with a Hollywood studio, Philip moved to the west coast, working a short time for movie studios, where he soon became bored with the Hollywood fantasy. Seeking a major change, he bought an inch-thick book of airline tickets to travel around the world (something one could do in those days). While on his travels an advertising firm hired Philip to shoot the prize winning “Man On The Spot” series commissioned by Bank of America. During this time, he circled the world 4 times and was in 88 countries. During his travels he climbed to the top of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt, and in Katmandu, was given permission to photograph the Living Goddess of Nepal.

Following his travel years, Philip became Director of Photography at Fingerhut, then moved to Chester County in 1976 and for 28 years was the senior photographer at the Franklin Mint until they closed. Since “forced retirement” he continues his artistic endeavors including photography, wood sculpture he terms contemporary folk art, sketching, whimsical paper cut-outs, painting, and digital art. Moreover, to “stay busy” he attended West Chester University taking writing and poetry classes. Philip has written more than fifty each of short stories and poetry. Please enjoy this small sample of Philip’s many oeuvres.