Paul R. Gregory

Paul Raymond Gregory (July 12, 1949, Derby, England[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.[2] Gregory has created a total of 30 album covers for well known rock musicians and solo artists, such as Molly Hatchet, Ronnie James Dio, Uriah Heep, Blind Guardian,[3][4] Saxon, Dio and Nowadays.[4]

For an American economist, see Paul Roderick Gregory.

Paul R. Gregory
Born
Paul Raymond Gregory

(1949-07-12) July 12, 1949
Known forAlbum art
Notable work
StyleFantasy art
Websitewww.studio54.co.uk

Career

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 feet (3.0 m) x 6 feet (1.8 m).[5] His Tolkien artwork, album artwork and other collected works are featured in a book he authored.[6] As of 2015, art dealer Peter Nahum owns most of the Tolkien-inspired artwork.[7]

Album artwork

Greogory's Tolkien-inspired fantasy art has been featured on 30 album covers.[3] In 1984 Gregory painted the sleeve artwork for Saxon's album Crusader,[8] 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.[9]

He has also produced cover art for books by fantasy novelist Cecilia Dart-Thornton.[3]

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.[10]

Books
  • “Beyond Time And Place: The Art Of Paul Raymond Gregory”.[4][6]

See also

DVD Documentary
  • Paul Raymond Gregory's RingQuest, Narrated by Julian Sands; Narration written by Peter Nahum; Executive producer: Peter Nahum; Produced, directed and edited by Mathias Walin; Photography and sound by Martin Sundström.

Further reading
  • Paul Raymond Gregory; My Secret Book, designed and written by Peter Nahum, The Leicester Galleries, 2007

References
  1. "Biography Paul Raymond Gregory". Studio 54. Studio54 1999-2020. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  2. "Bloodstock Announces its First Art Exhibition". Zero Tolerance Magazine. ZT Mag. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  3. "Paul Raymond Gregory – Heavy Metal's Lord Of the Rings". Great Album Covers. Great Album Covers. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  4. "Paul R. Gregory – Studio54 Interview with British artist Paul Raymond Gregory". Heavy Music Artwork. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  5. "The Designs of Melkor, a triptych – Ungoliant by Paul Raymond Gregory". OnlineGalleries.com. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  6. Lacon, Ruth (21 January 2013). "Review of Beyond Time and Place - The Art of Paul Raymond Gregory". Tolkien Library. Retrieved 16 June 2020. For more than three decades, British artist Paul Raymond Gregory has been considered as one of the most celebrated Tolkien-oriented painters worldwide.
  7. "Exhibitions – Peter Nahum at the Leicester Galleries". Leicestergalleries.com. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  8. "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 25 February 2012.
  9. "Interview with Paul Gregory". Festivalintheshire.com. 15 August 2010. Archived from the original on 22 November 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  10. "Bloodstock news and worldwide heavy metal news". Bloodstock.uk.com. Archived from the original on 5 January 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
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