Thomas Hawkes (1778–1858), MP for Dudley (1834–1844)

Phillips's portrait of Thomas Hawkes, Member of Parliament for Dudley from around 1808, documents the industrial town's political representation—Dudley was a center of Black Country iron and glass manufacturing whose parliamentary representation reflected the commercial interests of the Midlands industrial economy. The 1808 date predates Hawkes's parliamentary service (1834-1844) by over two decades, suggesting either a misdating or that the sitter was a different Hawkes. The Dudley connection places this portrait within Phillips's consistent engagement with the West Midlands professional and civic community that produced many of his less celebrated but historically important commissions.

The political portrait presents Hawkes with the authority of a parliamentary representative. Phillips's handling is competent and professional, serving the commemorative needs of local institutional display. The composition follows standard conventions for political portraiture.