Paul R. Gregory

Paul Raymond Gregory (born 1949, Derby[1]) is an English artist. Best known for his J. R. R. Tolkien-inspired fantasy paintings and rock album covers, he has also created book covers and is a co-founder of Bloodstock Open Air Heavy Metal Festival.

Early life and artwork

During the 1970s Gregory opened a gallery in his home village, where he exhibited several local and international artists' work. Around this time, He began producing a series of paintings based on J. R. R. Tolkien's epic tale, The Lord of the Rings. His first canvas was completed in 1978 and measured 10'x 6'.[2] As of 2015, art dealer Peter Nahum owns most of the Tolkien-inspired artwork.[3]

Album artwork

In 1984 Gregory painted the sleeve artwork for Saxon's album Crusader,[4] the first of fifteen for the band. Other rock and heavy metal bands for whom he has designed sleeves include: Dio, Uriah Heep, Blind Guardian, Molly Hatchet, Freedom Call, The Company of Snakes, Beholder and Battalion.[5] He has also produced cover art for books by fantasy novelist, Cecilia Dart-Thornton.

Bloodstock Heavy Metal Festival

In 2001, Gregory co-founded Amust4music, the company behind Bloodstock Open Air—an event which currently attracts crowds of around 15,000.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Biography". Studio54. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  2. ↑ "The Designs of Melkor, a triptych – Ungoliant by Paul Raymond Gregory". OnlineGalleries.com. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  3. ↑ "Exhibitions – Peter Nahum at the Leicester Galleries". Leicestergalleries.com. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  4. ↑ "Biff Byford talks about the Crusader Album Cover by Paul Raymond Gregory | Video Youtube – NMETV Latest Music Videos and Clips". Nme.Com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  5. ↑ "Interview with Paul Gregory". Festivalintheshire.com. 15 August 2010. Archived from the original on 22 November 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  6. ↑ "Bloodstock news and worldwide heavy metal news". Bloodstock.uk.com. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
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