Background
Phillip Clancey was born, brought up and educated in Glasgow, Scotland.
Phillip Clancey was born, brought up and educated in Glasgow, Scotland.
He studied at the Glasgow School of Art where his artistic skills were developed.
Clancey served in the 51st (Highland) Division with the Allied forces in Sicily and Italy during World World War II, narrowly escaping death and being deafened in one ear by an artillery explosion. Following his death in 2001, Clancy"s military medals, together with his "Gill Memorial Medal" were auctioned by City Coins, Cape Town, in 2006, on behalf of the Clancey Estate. Clancey was the fifth recipient of the award, in 1972.
Clancey"s group of six military medals are to (Service Number) 913613 Gunner P.A. In 1948-1949, he accompanied Colonel Richard Meinertzhagen on an ornithological expedition to Yemen, Aden, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa.
Clancey emigrated to South Africa in August 1950 to take up the post of Curator of the Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg. He was Director of the Durban Museum and Art Gallery from 1 January 1952 until his retirement on 25 September 1982.
Clancey also served as President of the Southern African Museums Association, President of the Southern African Ornithological Society and President of the Natal Bird Club. Phillip Clancey continued as a Research Associate of the Durban Museum and Art Gallery until his death in 2001, aged 83.
Honorary Life Member of the Southern African Ornithological Society (for his ornithological contributions).