Born in Cumbria in 1916, Philipson moved to Scotland with his family when he was fourteen. After training at Edinburgh College of Art, during World War II Philipson served with the King's Own Scottish Borderers in India and Burma, and while unable to paint as much as he would wish under war time conditions, in later life would return to the exotic motifs such as Brahma cattle and Burmese horses first encountered during active service. Following the war, Philipson joined the teaching staff at Edinburgh College of Art in 1947 and taught until his retirement in 1982. His early works were mainly landscapes, still lifes and interiors, but by the 1950s, he had become interested in the work of the American Abstract Expressionists. His works were was strongly influenced by his fellow members of the Edinburgh School, such as Gillies and Maxwell, as well as the works of Kokoschka. This is evident in his energetic brushwork and use of rich, jewel-like colour. His diverse subjects included cathedral interiors, soldiers, wild animals, poppies, and most notably cock fighting. Philipson was a highly influential figure within the Scottish and English art worlds and received many honours throughout his life. He was elected an Honorary Royal Academician and was knighted in 1976 for his services to the arts in Scotland. He served as the President of the Royal Scottish Academy from 1973 to 1983. UK public collections hold one hundred and two of his paintings.