An older cousin of mine, who was massively into Warhammer in his youth, has a copy of David Ferring’s novel ‘Konrad’, the original 1990 edition, with illustrations by Nicholson. I’ve come across later editions in secondhand bookstores but, sadly, these did not include Nicholson’s illustrations. Nicholson’s black and white line work became his trademark in a sense. Notably, Bryan Ansell (director of Games Workshop and co-creator of Warhammer) who commissioned Nicholson a number of times, has also passed away - on 30th December 2023. Nicholson’s work deserved a far wider audience than the gaming and fantasy world.
Yes, I saw Ansell had just died. There are so many first-generation figures from the 1970s and 1980s passing away. I always keep an eye open for a good illustrated version of a classic. I'll take a look for the novel you mention, LoS. :-)
Thank you, you’ll find a fair few on secondhand sites but it’s the 1990
edition that definitely has Nicholson’s illustrations. I believe he even did some illustrations for girls’ annuals like ‘Bunty’ back when he was starting out. I often find these old girls’ annuals at vintage book stores or events (I collect books). Nicholson took commissions from DC Thomson, so his work is all over the place! By all accounts, he was a lovely and very modest man, who was thrilled that people were still interested in his work.
I enjoyed this. I’m looking for someone to illustrate the cover for a book I’m completing this month. I’ve had a very difficult time. Most options seem to be AI generated or generic figures of knights with a sword. Most cover art in fantasy seemed to take a downward turn in the last two decades. I even prefer some of the rather poor 90’s covers to what is done these days.
An older cousin of mine, who was massively into Warhammer in his youth, has a copy of David Ferring’s novel ‘Konrad’, the original 1990 edition, with illustrations by Nicholson. I’ve come across later editions in secondhand bookstores but, sadly, these did not include Nicholson’s illustrations. Nicholson’s black and white line work became his trademark in a sense. Notably, Bryan Ansell (director of Games Workshop and co-creator of Warhammer) who commissioned Nicholson a number of times, has also passed away - on 30th December 2023. Nicholson’s work deserved a far wider audience than the gaming and fantasy world.
Yes, I saw Ansell had just died. There are so many first-generation figures from the 1970s and 1980s passing away. I always keep an eye open for a good illustrated version of a classic. I'll take a look for the novel you mention, LoS. :-)
Thank you, you’ll find a fair few on secondhand sites but it’s the 1990
edition that definitely has Nicholson’s illustrations. I believe he even did some illustrations for girls’ annuals like ‘Bunty’ back when he was starting out. I often find these old girls’ annuals at vintage book stores or events (I collect books). Nicholson took commissions from DC Thomson, so his work is all over the place! By all accounts, he was a lovely and very modest man, who was thrilled that people were still interested in his work.
Damn! Making me wish even harder that I'd written this piece a year ago... Well, I'll try and pay my dues to living heroes in future.
Definitely do!, too many of these people are passing away now. Time comes for all of us...
I enjoyed this. I’m looking for someone to illustrate the cover for a book I’m completing this month. I’ve had a very difficult time. Most options seem to be AI generated or generic figures of knights with a sword. Most cover art in fantasy seemed to take a downward turn in the last two decades. I even prefer some of the rather poor 90’s covers to what is done these days.
I hope you can find someone suitable. A great cover can sell a book and also add depth to your world. Good luck!