Biographical Note
Dr. George Phillips taught in the English department at San Diego State University from 1947-1973. A scholar of 18th and 19th Century British literature, Phillips was recognized as the world's authority on the history and literature of chimney sweeps. For over fifty years Phillips amassed a sizeable collection of books, prints, manuscripts, paintings, and memorabilia from all over New York and Europe.
Phillips also wrote a number of articles and books on chimney sweeps. Perhaps one of his best known works was "American Chimney Sweeps: An Historical Account of a Once Important Trade," which was illustrated by noted San Diego artist Everett Gee Jackson.
From the guide to the George Phillips Sweepiana Collection, 1932-1963, (Special Collections & University Archives: Finding Aid Database)
