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Although born in England Philipson's family moved to Scotland in 1930 and he attended Dumfries Academy and then Edinburgh School of Art. After service in the Second World War, he joined the staff of Edinburgh College of Art in 1947 and in 1948 he became a member of the Society of Scottish Artists. In circa 1947 he visited Oskar Kokoschka in London and was to be influenced by his Expressionism. In 1960 he became the Head of School of Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art succeeding Gillies a post which Philipson held until 1982. Although a very prolific and varied artist, Philipson is particularly associated with his series paintings including the Cathedral series and the Cock Fighting Series. He exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibitions from 1941 until 1992. He became an Associate Member in 1952 and an Academician in 1962. In 1973 he became President of the Royal Scottish Academy a post which he held until 1983. he was knighted in 1976.