He has lived in Sheffield for decades and has greatly contributed to nurturing local photography. He began teaching at Psalter Lane Art School in the 1970s, shortly before it merged with the polytechnic university which would later become Sheffield Hallam University. He was a Lecturer of Photography and cultivated students’ practice there for over twenty years until his retirement in 1997. Phillip also co-founded Untitled Gallery, which became a hub for contemporary photography in Sheffield and was integral to the development of the medium in the city. Untitled still exists today as Site Gallery, based in the city centre, and is still a supporter of emerging artists.