Philippa Johnson

Born and raised in Grahamstown (now Makhanda), Philippa left after a BA Arts degree and came to Cape Town, desperately wanting to escape small town life and see the big city. 

Her career changed three times, making sure working life was not boring. 

First she was a professional artist (Graphic Designer) with Foschini and Truworths. Marriage to a charming Irishman and two sons later, she became a Medical Illustrator for John Terblanche, UCT Dept Surgery, then the Public Relations Manager at Groote Schuur Hospital. 

This was a rewarding and fulfilling job, but the salary of a Govt Employee was worse than the proverbial church mouse’s.

Taking an early retirement package in 2003, she sought adventure and on impulse took a job as a teacher of English at an International School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for 10 years. Hard work, a lot of adventure and much travel in the land of endless summer was the result. 

Now enjoying retirement with Peter Cruse, she gardens, designs and makes clothing and does artwork.