British illustrator Russ Nicholson, known for his fantastical black-and-white artwork, has died.
How did Lars Nicholson die?
Russ Nicholson, a noted illustrator and fantasy artist for game books, fantasy games, or fantasy-related magazines, passed away on May 17, 2023.
Original Oldhammer artwork News of the passing of artist Russ Nicholson was released in the following statement,
It is with the deepest sadness that we have to report the passing of Russ Nicholson.
Russ is a talented artist who has brought many fantasy worlds to life and has worked on Games Workshop and the Fighting Fantasy series, including the first FF book, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.
Thank you so much for all you do.
He did a great job for Hogshead’s Warhammer FRP series.
Who is Russ Nicholson?
Russ is a renowned fantasy artist who creates stunning artwork for gaming books, fantasy games, and fantasy-related magazines.
He studied at Duncan College of Art and Design in Scotland, which later became part of the University of Dundee.
In the 1970s he moved to the United Kingdom, where he lived for the rest of his life, save for a brief stint in Papua New Guinea.
Russ Nicholson’s career
Russ has contributed to a number of important game-related products, including Warlock of Firetop Mountain, the first in a series of Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone’s Fighting Fantasy game book illustrations; 16 illustrations of paintings.
In addition, he illustrated various creatures from the original British contribution to the first edition of Fiend Folio Advanced Dungeons.
He also designed artwork for the Dragons game book, the six “chapters” of “The Fabled Lands” originally published by Dave Morris and Jamie Thomson, and numerous game studio projects such as Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, Warhammer 40,000 Theirs Magazine White Dwarf.
For over 40 years, Russ has worked for numerous organizations and publishers, including Puffin, Pan, Collins, Hodder & Stoughton, TSR, Games Workshop, Hoggshead Publishing, DC Thomson, Le Grimoire and Scriptarium.
More than twenty countries have produced his works. He has also long taught art at the collegiate level. He also created the False Weavers album cover for Santa Cruz anarcho-folk-punk band Blackbird Raum.
Russ Nicholson cause of death
Ruth’s sudden death has plunged the entire art world into deep sorrow. His cause of death was not immediately released.
Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks also announced the sad news on their social media pages, writing:
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Russ Nicholson, the first artist who brought the world of Fighting Fantasy to life. Tributes will follow shortly, but for now our thoughts are with his family and friends and all those inspired by his amazing work. Rest in peace, Russ.
Russ’ friends, family and colleagues took to social media to express their heartfelt condolences following the news of Russ’ passing.
Our hearts go out to Russ’ family during this difficult time. The family will announce Lars’ funeral arrangements shortly.