All Comments
RPS
20th of March 2018
One of my most favorite spacecraft artists while growing up, I just
found this amazing website. So sorry to hear that Peter died so young.
He was an incredible artist. Thanks for sharing.
Ian
5th of October 2017
I remember the first time I saw some of Peter Elson's work
(alongside many others) in beautiful hardback books. I think the
various artists works were collectively know as
The Young Artists and helped illustrate the collection of short
stories about space. I always, always remember Peters work above his
peers, as it just seemed so grounded/feasible despite the futuristic
subject matter - simply stunning. I still have 2 of these books which
feature some of Peters work. Both are dog eared but much loved - Great
Space Battles and Spacewreck ghostships and derlicts of space. Thanks
for your beautiful work Peter.
Re:
A Sense of Wonder
Ed
4th of October 2017
This is the greatest piece of art ever. Wow. Need to be a print.
Re:
Swords In The Mist
Igor Fedorov
12th of March 2017
Great works! Peter, thank you very much, wherever you are! It would be
nice if we can wiev galleries by years, with comlete description of
images.
Ian
26th of January 2017
I first came upon the art of Peter Elson when I was a boy in the
1970s, in books like
made
6th of October 2016
erwin
5th of October 2016
http://poorenglishman.blogspot.com/ dis he use photoshop? nice
picture.
steve
13th of August 2016
Never realized such works were
Re:
Star Quest (2001, A Space Odyssey)
Mutos
21st of February 2016
Also appeared in one of the TTA books.
Re:
Prime Number
From a Fan
22nd of January 2016
This is one of my favorites of Peter\'s works. In the Stewart Cowley
book you can read the shuttle name, I think it was the Colombia. There
are just so many ships here. Notice the Discovery from 2001 visible in
front of the grey ship in the middle left. There are several
transparent ships similar to the one in the foreground. Then there\'s
that massive ship in the upper right with obvious damage. One has to
wonder how this fleet has not turned itself into an orbiting debris
field. Wonderful work. I wonder if it was ever a book cover as I\'d
love to read the book this picture depicts.
Re:
Spaceship Graveyard
From a Fan
22nd of January 2016
Oh my gosh this brings back memories. I recall reading these books
when I was a kid. They were about a bunch of teenagers who escape a
planet in a space ship they build from junk parts including an
asteroid, a drive, a space scoop and a lock and dock. They were great
books! I never realised Peter did the cover till now. Such detailed
work too.
Re:
Starstormers
From a Fan
22nd of January 2016
This is an old Epsilon Class freighter out of Auther Bertram
Chandler\'s Rim Runner\'s series of books. A most excellent read.
Re:
The Rim Of Space
Sean Deany
11th of September 2015
Still one of my favorites. In late 1979 my primary school library had
a coffee table book on sci-fi illustrations containing some of PE's
work. Just wish that you could put dates to all these illustrations if
its possible. I'm sure most are pre-Star Wars (c 1977). This
indicating that Lucas was probably inspired by Peter's work.
Re:
The Outposter
John Stephenson
29th of August 2015
Are you going to publish a book with you art? Thanks, John
Graham
8th of June 2015
The first time I saw this image was in Spacebase 2000 which my Mother
and Father bought me as a child (cira 1980/81-ish). Thus started a
life long love of Sci-Fi art with Peter Elson's work, this image in
particular, at the heart of it all.
Re:
The Outposter
Jon
6th of June 2015
Very interesting painting. First of all is the fascination of this
large, complex vehicle. Is it unmanned, a more sophisticated version
of what we already see on Mars? It's travelling at some speed, maybe a
crewed machine? And the debris in the foreground - are they artefacts.
An the towers in the middle distance? Ruins? Very evocative!
Re:
A Martian Odyssey
Shawn B.
25th of May 2015
This is one of the images that inspired me to become an artist. I had
this image in a book as a child, and I used to try and figure the
height of the tower in the foreground based on the people in the
landing deck. I then compared the foreground tower to the tower in the
background to estimate the height. I spent hours with a ruler and a
calculator* estimating how hight the tower was. BTW, The tower in the
foreground is approximately 2,100 feet to the top, and the one in the
background is around 10,500 feet ! ( *back in the days when
calculators took several seconds to compute something ! ) I would love
to find out what year the painting was created, and the size of the
original. Peter put so much detail into this one. I'm sorry he passed
away. Thank you for posting this site with his work.
Re: Nova 4
Gary Russell
9th of May 2015
Having been a fan of Peter's work during the 80s, I was overjoyed (and
a bit overawed) to have Peter paint the cover for my first ever novel
(Legacy, seen here on the Doctor Who page). I gave a brief which Peter
followed beautifully and I was so happy the first time I saw a proof,
and then actually walking into W H Smith and seeing a book my my name
and Peter's art on it. The original hangs on my wall at home and I am
so proud to own it.
James G
7th of April 2015
Peter Elson's work was my favourite among all the artists assembled in
the series of books which included Starliners, Spacewrecks etc which I
first encountered when they were sold at a book day at school in the
very early 80s and were for me the astounding books there. It inspired
me to see the covers as important as well. Although I bought more in
the series and books with his covers like Trader to the Stars and
Mirkheim from our Year 1, 1981 ish which was 12-13, I knew no more
until the coming of the internet, buying a couple more collections and
finding out a little of him. This is a step up and a very nice site.
He painted what I couldn't and he did it well. If anything, seeing
work I don't care for here is even better to build a balanced picture
of someone whose work I have respected in a quiet way for so long.
Thanks for your work, JG
Pete
20th of March 2015
This is my favourite Elson painting. Great book, great cover. I don't
know why
Re: Red Mars
Keith Robey
22nd of December 2014
If this is supposed to be a spacecraft in space, why is the background
white?
Re:
Mission To Universe
Keith Robey
22nd of December 2014
Should be entitled FORBIDDEN PLANET.
Re:
Untitled 11
Keith Robey
22nd of December 2014
My favourite book in the series.
Re:
The Stainless Steel Rat For President
Keith Robey
22nd of December 2014
This picture was feature in the Octopus Books publication THE
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE-FICTION. It's so long out of print that it has
been forgotten.
Re:
Ice And Iron
Keith Robey
21st of December 2014
Discovery 3.
Re:
Untitled 3
Red Electro
30th of September 2014
I too used to stare at this image and wonder what exactly was going
on! Is the jetpacker escaping the horrors below, or some kind of
killing machine sent in to sort it out? Love the way the pistol shares
it's power source with the jetpack! It's an amazing painting and still
looks contemporary today!
Re:
Prime Number
Francis
11th of February 2014
Thank you Peter Elson for bringing such a great visual inspiration to
my generation of designers and concept artists. As a nerdy sci-fi fan
growing up in the late 70’s-early 80’s I always loved the “PEâ€
illustrations found in my TTA and Galactic Encounters books. After
earning two degrees in industrial/transportation design, a career in
multimedia/visual design, and countless hours playing the Home World
space fleet simulator games, I’m just now getting around to
researching who those influential concept artists were from my
childhood. I’m quite sad to learn that “PE†is no longer around
to hear the praise I wish I had given earlier. Artists like Chris
Foss, Doug Chang, and Syd Mead were certainly influential, but I
always felt that Mr. Elson’s work looked like more plausible and
believable technology and his aesthetic of an imagined future was far
more interesting to me. Rest in peace and thanks again for bringing
your vision to the world.
jsin
21st of January 2014
Back in the early 80s, I saw this and many more Elson paintings in a
big sci-fi coffee table book and was absolutely amazed and transported
into a fantasy world. These days, there are many 3D computer hobbyists
copying Elson's style and their efforts are, imo, even sharper and
more realistic than the original paintings...but, thankfully, the 3D
artists give credit where it's due, or I wouldn't have found this
wonderful website.
Re:
The Outposter
Happy Buyer
19th of December 2013
I'm so pleased I bought this print, its beautiful and had an extra
speedy delivery that was bought last minute and arrived by Christmas.
So happy to own such a wonderful art work. Excellent customer service,
I'd fully recommend to anyone. Thank you
Re: Derelict 2
Don Lee
7th of December 2013
Forget which one, but one of Asimov's early Empire novels featured a
journey to the Horsehead Nebula (thought in Empire days to have been
named after its discoverer, Horace Hedd;
Re:
The Best of Isaac Asimov 1954 - 1972
Wetcoaster
24th of November 2013
The image on page 82-83 of Spacewreck is actually Spaceship Graveyard
at https://peterelson.co.uk/gallery/image.php?cat=11&id=155
Re:
Naked to the Stars
Martyn Jacques
21st of October 2013
wonderful work. Inspiring
Re:
Tomorrow And Tomorrow
JS
13th of September 2013
Years ago a much younger me came across some books full of science
fiction illustrations, and the ones that impressed me the most were
signed with PE in a rectangle. I didn't read English then, just
recognized the letters. With modern technology, I arrived here with a
quick search. It's nostalgic to see the same images from years ago. I
think my young son would love to see these as much as I did.
CAS
8th of September 2013
I have the book, had it for years, with all the wonderful
illustrations - superb!
Re:
Fantastic Planet
Baby Woojums
29th of July 2013
This image was reused in the short story about space pirates in
Re:
Prime Number
Gary T.
28th of June 2013
As a teenager I subscribed to Science Fiction Monthly and remember
when this was published. Loved it and it went on my wall right away.
It still survives in a raggedy form in a box in the attic.
Re:
Fantastic Planet
james kallaher
21st of May 2013
I had read the first 3 tta books so much,it seemed I lived them....
when a friend needed a christmas list from me,I called the local book
store and asked them if they happened to have a book with apurple and
yellow ship on front, she said yes, and what was the name? i said
starliners! i'm telling you I GUESSED both details !! only psychic
thing ever happened to me!!.. Peter Elson, Angus Mckie, the others All
inspired me throughout Junior/Senior high, and all should note that
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks {a book} will put you squarely back into your
seats remembering Spacewrecks!! To All a good night!!
Tim.Nash
26th of March 2013
When I was 7 years old my school Libary had a sci-fiction illustration
book that I never got tired looking at. There where a few of Peters
artworks there. I remember looking and looking at them, my imagination
run wild. I am now 37 and I STILL feel that way when I look at Peters
Illustrations.
Pete Wallbank
24th of March 2013
My first connection to Peter's work was whilst I was working along
side him at Virgin publishing whilst illustrating 'Dr.Who' new
adventure covers. I was shown his wonderful work to take inspiration
from - never in a million years being able to emulate him,I was once
put in direct competition with him for a particular cover with me
being the obvious loser. i loved his work but as is so much the case
was unable to meet him to convey my personal appreciation. I was
deeply saddened to hear of his loss - The world is a lesser place. God
bless you,Peter.
Matt S
5th of February 2013
This is truly an amazing picture. I often wondered as a kid about this
picture who was this and why was he firing his weapons. I even thought
that it seems eminent that a jet pack failure was in his future
unbeknownst to him and what would I do if I was him.
Re:
Prime Number
jean vouillon
4th of February 2013
He was one of the greatest SF artist and his paintings are still a
great source of inspiration.
Ant Allan
17th of November 2012
The correct title of this book is “The Knight and Knave of Swordsâ€
— I’m looking at my copy of it right now! /@
Re:
The Knight And The Slave Of Swords
Mark Harrison
11th of November 2012
I was doing a search for Pete Elson after looking at some concept art
and found this site and was shocked to read of his passing. Such a
vibrant talent that is still influencing Hollywood and gaming (and
myself!) today. Check out
Curtis Hawkins
10th of November 2012
I have searched for Peter Elson’s art on the internet for years. I
have been in love with his work since I purchased my first Terran
Trade Authority book as a teenager in the 80’s. He instantly became
my favorite sci-fi artist. I am happy to have finally found this
website. I am sorry to hear that we lost him prematurely, however,
thank you for keeping his collection of artwork alive and
accessible.
Victor Newman
3rd of July 2012
Thank you Carol for maintaining this website so that young artists can
view the talent of this amazing gentleman. I, too, found his pictures
on covers so entrancing even as a young man in his 20s.
Nicholas Aris
28th of June 2012
His artwork is just amazing. I grew up with the 'Starstormer' series
and had his covers just burned into my mind. So glad I found this
site!!!
Bob Bello
21st of June 2012
Fantastic artwork, simply legendary. Where can we buy an art book with
these masterpieces? There is nothing at Amazon.com, or it's not in the
search engine. Godspeed!
Re: Art Book?
Vince
12th of June 2012
So happy to have found this website ! I spent hours and hours dreaming
while watching at his illustrations when I was a kid. His work was
published in France in at least 4 books :
yosra
29th of May 2012
WA9TEH BCH 3ARES
Hamilton
27th of May 2012
It just shows how long it takes Hollywood to catch up with true
visionaries like Peter Elson.
Re:
To Die In Italbar
Nick Hancock
15th of May 2012
I had a couple of the TTA books as a kid this was one of my favourite
pictures (as was the story that went with it
Re:
To Open The Sky
Andrew de Weerd
13th of May 2012
After 30 years of first seeing Derelict2 in the Stewart Cowley book
Diego
17th of April 2012
Absolutely astonishing. I love this one, and the Prelude one. Amazing
work!
Re: Foundation
Peter Saikko
8th of April 2012
The first word that comes into my mind is epic. It is one of few
images that actually enchants me. I would like it to be wall sized...
Re:
The Einstein Intersection
Francesco
22nd of February 2012
Peter Elson, a name that has echoed throughout my childhood. I am an
aerospace engineer now. I owe this to the people who materialized my
dreams, like Peter, whose paintings I could stare for hours. I would
go back the next day and discover a hidden detail, and then I would
picture myself inside the ship, feeling the thunder of the engines.
Thank you Peter.
TopScum!
10th of February 2012
Still amazing after all these Years. Hollywood seems to be only just
catching up with Peter Elsons truly futuristic imagination. You beat
them to it by a long shot. You probably always will.
TopScum!
10th of February 2012
One of my all time favourite Sci Fi images.Just fantastic realism.
It's snowy where I am on the 10/2/2012 so there's a coincidence as
well. You can almost feel the cold with the Explorers breath freezing
in the air.
Re:
Ice And Iron
Peter Spencer
1st of January 2012
The Earth-sized moon of the giant planet swings too close
occasionally, and the seas rise mountain-high...it's a hard life for
the colonists when you've got such an unpredictable orbit.
Re: Summertide
Alex Fricke
26th of November 2011
Fantastic to find PE on the web. loved his illustration when i was
lad,they inspired me to become an illustrator myself, albeit a
struggling one with much less talent than Mr Elson! thank you for
putting this up!
Simon
25th of November 2011
A marvellous tribute site. I was born in 1973, and was recently
talking with friends about books we loved in our youth. Peter's name
came up, and we talked about the magic of his book covers. Sadly I no
longer have those books in my collection, so I was so pleased to find
this site; the images take me back to that time and remind me of how
real those worlds he created seemed to be! Thanks very much for
this.
Editor
24th of November 2011
DR Re Vulcan's Hammer. The orignal picture used for the book cover is
lost. The only scan I have is this front half, kindly sent by a fan.
The only full picture I have is of the earlier, rough version.
DR
23rd of November 2011
That is about half of the painting. The other part is to the right. I
love this one. Where is the rest?
Re:
Vulcan's Hammer
Kevin
14th of November 2011
Los Angeles....a few years before 2019....as seen in Blade Runner.
Re:
The Crucifixion Squad
Gabriel Ferreira Pazzi
10th of November 2011
It's... awesome! Really wonderful pic! ^_^
Re: LBA
Rob
6th of October 2011
This would have to be 'the' picture I remember when PE springs to
mind. When I first saw this picture in the TTA book 'Spacewreck' it
completely blew me away and my imagination ran riot. I was about 10
years old at the time (now quite older) and all I wanted to do when I
saw this was to explore space and find relics like this. What an
artist!
Re: Derelict 2
Jimm
30th of August 2011
I came across PE, like many others, via the Stuart Cowley TTA books. I
would spend hours as a kid pouring over them and this was probably my
favourite. The photolike realism of Elson's work put him (for me) a
step above all the other artists, and this is a fabulous example. RIP
PE.
Re:
The Power Of Blackness
Craig
24th of August 2011
Really similar to the earth scenes in the movie wall-e. Certainly
inspirational work :)
Re:
To Die In Italbar
Stephen Rolph
15th of August 2011
Just to say thanks really, loved sci fi when i was a lad...read loads
of novels, when i first started buying sci fi books i bought them
purley for the cover art...if that captured my imagination, thats
where my pocket money went. Needless to say Peter's Art wowed me and
read some great books due to him! Looking through the gallery his art
brings back memories and still wows today.
Alan J Pottinger
16th of July 2011
I think like so many people who have commented here I have seen
Peter's artwork but never really known they were all examples of his
work. The TTA books still have pride of place on my bookshelf. They
might be a bit tattered now, but they are a great source of
inspiration. Simply amazing images!
Mark Stafford
11th of July 2011
Peter's artwork influenced me greatly as a kid, I started to draw
trying to emulate the pictures in the TTA books, and he was always my
favourite. Eventually I became a Designer and I now work as a toy
designer for LEGO where I get to design and build spaceships! As part
of my portfolio to get the job I built a LEGO version of this ship, if
you're interested it's online at:
http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/20661 hopefully I'm not breaking any
copyright claims, it is an homage to my favourite artist.
Re:
Trader To The Stars
Lucy Walsh
21st of June 2011
I recently found a book my father bought for me when I was 7,The
Conquest of Space bought from Marks & Spencer, Im now 36! I kept this
book because I was faciniated with space and enthralled by the art in
the book. I would often lay in my bed looking through this book in
amazement. This painting was one of those I used to spend ages looking
at! It has nostalgic happy memories! I too now paint astronomical
paintings and subconsciously I think this painting may have been one
of the reasons I do. So I'd like to thank you!!! Lucy Walsh.
Re:
Welcome To Mars
Emil Dudek
22nd of May 2011
Thank you so much for the web site - I was trying to find the artist
of an old Sci-Fi book I have - and this website gave me the answer and
a lot more info beside. Gorgeous images, RIP.
Doug Baldwin
1st of May 2011
Thank you so much for creating this website of Peter's work. I could
get lost in here. It is amazing! I too love peter's work. So much so
that having read and explored the pages of the Terran Trade Authority
books in high school I decided to go to collage for a Space Science
degree hoping to make Peter's images of space flight a reality. We are
still not quite there yet, but his images are still inspiring. I plan
on introdusing my 8 year old son to peter's work very soon. Again
thank you so much for this wonderful website. Warm regards. Doug
Editor
22nd of April 2011
Please remember that these images are subject to copyright, John
John
13th of April 2011
I remember as a child in the 70's being engrossed at the library or
bookshop by Sci Fi artwork depicting space ships and strange worlds,
there was a theme to it, the way that ships and things 'looked' that
just looked 'Sci fi', this sort of work still stands out today, you
can obviously tell that the Homeworld series of RTS games were
strongly influenced by this style of art. It really is a shame that
nobody todays seems to depict Sci Fi artwork in this style anymore,
it's timeless and so much more engrossing than the organic looking
stuff we so everywhere these days. Now I know who was behind so much
of this artwork! I'm going to make one of these pictures my desktop
background :) -John
Bob Bello
8th of April 2011
One of the best sci-fi artists ever! It's a real tragedy he left us so
soon. I especially love his
Joshua A.C. Newman
26th of March 2011
This is one of my favorite pieces of space art. The bold colors, the
sense of scale, the combination of aerodynamics and otherworldly
principles. I made a 3D model of this in the late 90s. It showed me a
lot of the subtlety of the shapes.
Paul Cooke
20th of March 2011
Thank you so much for this site. Peter Elson was a superb illustrator,
and I bought many books just because of his covers. I first came to
recognise the name when he started painting the Dr Who covers, but
then realised I had already come to the Stainless Steel Rat books and
Manifest Destiny purely because of his covers, but didn't know who PE
was. He was a truly wonderful talent, and hopefully this site will
help keep his memory alive though his art legacy
Stephen Sekulic
22nd of February 2011
I wanted to say thank you for so many years of inspiration . I read
the TTA Books as a child and this particular image always haunted me
and inspired me as an artist. I have done industrial model building
for years and I always come back to your works to get my mind racing
again with that little kid ( now big kid ) imagination running wild
with wonder. Thanks for sharing you talent & wonders of your mind.
S.
Re: Derelict 2
John Picken
8th of February 2011
Just came across this site after digging out my old 'Great Space
Battles' book for my young Son. It was bought for me by my Father when
new in '79 for my 8th Birthday. Never before or since has a book moved
and inspired me so much. Especially the illustrations by 'PE'. I
became an illustrator because of his work. From pouring over his
illustrations I gained insight into how to make a SciFi picture work:
Make everything look as though it would actually function in real-life
and, more importantly, fill the picture with love and feeling. Even
after all these years the sight of Peters artwork leaves my mouth
agape at how technically perfect and how almost photo-realistic they
are. I feel eight years old again and my little boy is in awe, (
sausset marc
7th of January 2011
I spent my childhood with the stewart cowley's book of spaceships, the
more time goes, the more i think how influancial Peter Elson is to all
the present day si-fi,films, comics and other illustrations. Of course
there are others,Foss,Moore,webb...But the feel, the textures, the
dust and the lights, makes his work ever so contempory.
Alain Ratinaud
4th of January 2011
I'm overwhelmed, this is fantastic, marvellous! I've just learned
about the existence of this website dedicated to Peter Elson. Peter is
probably at the basis for my passion on science-fiction (ok, with
Chris Foss, Manchu and Moebius). I was offered the books (space
battles; etc...) when I was young and I still have them here with me!
I would suggest to create a forum on this website so that all fans and
enthusiasts could share their memories, passion and artwork on Pete's
vision. Regards Alain
Benoît 'Mutos' ROBIN
27th of December 2010
I was offered the first TTA book at 15 and, since then, I've always
kept it as my library's true core. I discovered later the artists who
were behind and Peter was one of the most influential. It seems that,
wherever I turn my eyes, I see space-op' people writing they have been
influenced by his works... What a great painter, who lived in great
days ! His spirit lives on in many a mind, in which he planted the
seed of vast sci-fi dreams !
Travis Wright
15th of November 2010
I grew up constantly flicking through the pages of Parallel Lines
(collected works of Peter Elson and Chris Moore), wondering how anyone
could produce art like that... it all seemed so real. Years later, I
became an artist myself - leaning toward painting Sci-Fi and Space
Fantasy and I remembered that book. Unfortunately, I now live in Japan
and so I couldn't just look in my old box of books to see if I still
had it so I took a trip online to eBay and found the only copy
there... It was such a rush of emotions when that book arrived and I
saw each image again and realized every one of my favorites as a child
was painted by Peter. Thank you so much for creating a site dedicated
to this wonderful artist so that people like me can be inspired all
over again by Peter's work.
J.B. Zimmerman
15th of November 2010
This image is from the Deathworld short story
Re:
The Best Of Harry Harrison
Tom Svilans
4th of November 2010
Fantastic, inspiring work. Would be very interested in a book or
collection of work!
Matt McCune
4th of October 2010
I discovered Great Space Battles in the library as a kid. I was
HOOKED! This hover tank was an inspiration for many a hovertank that I
drew for a couple years. The battle scene here is in so many ways
real. How often have allied vehicles collided whilst avoiding enemy
fire in R/L history? Why not in the future, too? Excellent use of
depth and subject matter, I think.
Re:
The Variable Man
Scott Schneider
26th of September 2010
For me, Mr. Elson's work was the stuff that dreams are made of. I
remember discovering the Terran Trade Authority book series in my
youth and spending hours looking through them. Then spending many more
hours trying to recreate his work. Sadly I was never able to
accomplish what came to him very naturally but eventually the
inspirations from Mr. Elson as well as many others drove me to the
world of visual effects for films. I often go back and look through
those books remembering the many days I was lost in those images. His
work will live on in my memory as I am sure it will in many others and
will continue to inspire many more generations to come. Thank you for
putting this website together so that we may all enjoy his work over
and over again. ~S
Tuffy Ruffnut
19th of September 2010
I feel as though I could fall into this painting. Whenever I see an
insect approaching a flower, this painting is called to my mind, Mr.
Elson's work is definitely memorable. I love it.
Re: Nova 4
Tuffy Ruffnut
19th of September 2010
The Moons Of Jupiter, for me this painting is the most outstanding and
memorable painting I have ever seen. I'm probably guilty of gushing
here, but I don't care, look at the depth, try not to have a sense of
falling into this spacescape as you drink it in. This is truly the
only painting I ache to own. I have been trawling search engines and
Re:
The Moons Of Jupiter
Petar Belic
16th of September 2010
This looks like the study of a more finished version of this concept
which I have seen published in a collection somewhere, it should
either replace this image or be placed next to it.
Re:
Vulcan's Hammer
Petar Belic
15th of September 2010
One of the my first exposures to [PE]. And what an initiation! Such a
bold use of colour, such a sense of depth, with the simple in
retrospect trick of putting you as the viewer, on the ground, looking
up into the sky. Amazing modeling, composition and use of colour.
Thanks always, Peter.
Re:
The Outposter
jeff dipple
14th of September 2010
Thank you for setting up this collection of PE's wonderful art work it
is fantastic. Like so many others i came across his work in a TTA book
as a youngster. Foung again recently his work in the book stands out.
Not sure if this kind of art is till being produced, perhaps not. A
collection of his art in a book would be a brilliant idea. The depth
of imagination and quality of the work is staggering. Thanks for the
memories.
Kev
10th of September 2010
Beautiful... somehow I think of Adam and Eve in the Apocalypse.
Re:
After The Fall
John Lenick
10th of September 2010
I had Great Space Battles and Spacewreck as well, along with
Spacecraft 2000 something to something, i can't remember, although
none of PE's illustrations were in that one. Much as I loved his work,
I have to admit it was also was first true expereince with crushing
disapointment, as no matter how I tried I was never able to make a
picture ANYWHERE as good as his, no matter how many sheets of paper I
demolished. I read a bio on him on another website ahwile ago, which
kind of painted a picture of him (no pun intended) as a reclusive
alcoholic in horrible health...may have been true, but this site gives
a far better impression.
Thomas Wrobel
3rd of September 2010
A wonderful image for a wonderful game.
Re: LBA
David Glass
3rd of September 2010
Very impressive Do you know if Peter made other drawings related to
LBA game ? Also, would you mind if we use this picture in non
commercial fan games ? (http://forum.magicball.net)
Re: LBA
Peter Fussey
20th of August 2010
This poster hung on my bedroom wall for several years until it started
to fall apart, I still have the poster, though now it is kept safe in
a plastic folder. A great picture based on Michael Trim's design for
Jeff Wayne's musical version of 'The War of the Worlds'. In my
opinion, this picture should have been added to Jeff's album when it
was re-released on CD back in the 1990s. Great painting by a great
artist.
Re:
War Of The Worlds
Richard Daborn
18th of August 2010
I've been a fan of Peter's work ever since i was a child when i
recieved the books Great Space Battles and Spacewrecks which featured
much of his art. As an ameteur artist myself, Peter's work has been
one of my inspirations over the years. I was saddened to hear of his
passing, never knew until recently. I'm pleased his work will live on.
Respect and regards.
Dave Willis
8th of August 2010
Thank you for putting up this website, so we can all continue to enjoy
Peter's amazing art. So sorry to hear he is no longer with us. It
would be great if someone published a definitive collection of his
pictures in an art book.
Geoff Hogg
7th of August 2010
I had all the Terran Trade Authority books, and this one nosed out
ahead of all the others. A sense of the future.
Re:
To Open The Sky
hmadzo
5th of August 2010
Amazing piece, man he had figures down way better than I imagined! I
recently visited the Coliseum, as an intact arena with a time travel
camera enabled machines he had it perfectly! OMG, Peter you were one
hell of an illustrator...
Re:
The Tenth Victim
Steven Howse
16th of July 2010
I first saw Peters artwork in a stewart cowley book called 'great
space battles' and was instantly hooked. No one could get a look in in
my local library and I went on a hunt for more of his work. A
massively talented SF artist, imitated by many but never bettered.
After rummaging around in my attic a few weeks ago I found some of
those old Stewart Cowley books I had 'acquired' in my youth and fell
in love with his work all over again. Until I visited this site I did
not know he had passed away. Peter, you will be sorely missed. The art
world is a poorer place without you Steven H
Hank Rozema
12th of July 2010
How wonderfull that a tribute page has been made to celebrate one of
sci-fi's best artists. From all of the designs ever his still stands
out at best with reality and functionality. I was just a lad when I
came across the TTA handbooks, his art just left such an impression
that it still has a very large influence on my own work. I suppose
that is his legacy and still today I see a lot of other work with a
lot of Peter in it. A good example would be the game's
hank Rozema
12th of July 2010
,
Dave Shearn
7th of July 2010
I always wondered who the initials PE stood for in my old Terran Trade
Authority books when I was a kid, and now i know and am pretty blown
away. The shear number of books i have with his illustrations, even
without me knowing is pretty amazing. His art had a big impact on me
and probably at least partly lead to my initial career choice studying
aerospace engineering.
Re: Mirkheim
Dave Shearn
7th of July 2010
I always wondered who the initials PE stood for in my old Terran Trade
Authority books when I was a kid, and now i know and am pretty blown
away. The shear number of books i have with his illustrations, even
without me knowing is pretty amazing. His art had a big impact on me
and probably at least partly lead to my initial career choice studying
aerospace engineering.
P Rogan
5th of July 2010
Of all the great sci-fi artists; Foss, McKie, Hardy and others,
Peter's illustrations stood out for me as a kid. When I saw one of his
works, I couldn't wait for the future to start. He had an imagination
that produced machines and scenery that even compared to todays
digital renderings you could be forgiven for thinking he had time
travelled ahead for his inspiration, they were so believable. Maybe
that is just me romanticizing the past, but I cannot thank Peter
enough for having supplied the spark of inspiration to me and so many.
Thank you.
Martin Yates
25th of June 2010
I saw the illustration
D. Wiseman
21st of June 2010
Kim Stanley Robinson's works have never looked so good as when they
were wrapped in one of Peter Elton's [PE] covers. Many thanks for
giving me the chance to see them all again. The Wild Shore, Pacific
Edge, The Gold Coast, IceHenge, Red Mars, Green Mars, Blue Mars,
Antartica, The Martians ...
Steve McGhee
19th of June 2010
I came across this site after a link to old sci-fi illustrations.
Peter produced work that stuck in my mind from my early years and
probably went some way to making me the sci-fi fan I am today. It's
been fantastic to view all his other work and read your tribute to
him. RIP Peter and thanks for the memories.
Christopher T. Shields
5th of June 2010
Thank you for this site. Peter Elson was my favorite sci-fi artist
when I was growing up. He still is, today. His work, first discovered
in the various Terran Trade Authority art books in the late 1970's
when I was in my late single digit years, inspired me in my later
writing and model building. Peter had a sense of machines and
equipment and the detail that went into them that few artists did at
that time and even fewer do today. As others have said, Peter had a
remarkably recognizable style and I still find myself occasionally
finding a new piece of his artwork that I had not previously known
existed, recognizing his style immediately and catching myself looking
at the artwork closely for the little square stylized
Eric Seigaud
4th of June 2010
Thanks for this great site.Peter Elson had a great influence for me
when I was young and beginning an Illustrator carreer.Now I'm working
in video game industry and it's always a pleasure to see these greats
painting. Thanks to show us the work of this great artist wich
influence a lot of us. Eric
Yann Souetre
4th of June 2010
Thanks a lot for this gallery ! I was regularly seeking for his
illustrations on the web, and thanks to you i have discovered a lot of
illustrations never seen before. I have discovered PE in the Terran
Trade Authority books in the 80's when i was a little child, and since
his works have inspired me a lot in my own illustrations too. Peter
was a great visionary and he had a special talent for vehicules shapes
and textures, even if there were sometimes some perspective issues.
See you in stars Peter :)
Sean D.
1st of June 2010
I first saw this illustration in about 1980 and it was a great
inspiration to my own illustrations made back in the early 80s as a 12
- 15 year old. I would love to wake up one morning look up at a bright
blue sky and see something as impresive as this fly over my little
neck of the woods!
Re:
The Outposter
Jeremy Yeatman
27th of May 2010
I rediscovered this art about 25 years after first seeing as a
schoolboy in the early 80s. Thank you for taking the time to create
this site. His art is instantly recognisable.
Paul McNulty
25th of May 2010
Thank you for this wonderful site. Like many visitors here, Peter's
work really had an impact on me when I was growing up, and his images
are, for me, the de facto visualisations of many of the classic SF
works he illustrated. He was truly a great of the genre.
Steve Begg
10th of May 2010
Petes art has always amazed me with its almost photographic quality
and cool designs. Has he ever worked on any film TV projects?. His art
has a natural film concept design...
Re:
Spaceship Graveyard
quiksilva
3rd of May 2010
Nice to eventually catch up with the artist behind so many memories.
This book cover was my introduction to Slippery Jim, and I'm grateful
to Mike (in the comments below) for mentioning
Re:
The Stainless Steel Rat Needs You
João Paulo Cursino
24th of April 2010
I have the book, both in the original English and in my native
Portuguese. So, when I saw the name
Re:
Nothing By Chance
Alan Watkins
22nd of April 2010
Its great to see such a great artist remembered. I loved his pictures
when I was growing up and they still look excellent and way better
than many CGI efforts out there.
Gabe
21st of April 2010
Great work setting up an official site for the late great Mr Elson.
Big fan of his work for years now and it is a pleasure to see it
gathered together and presented so well.
Mike Hatfield
19th of April 2010
I am so glad these amazing works are available to see again. I was
linked here from Harry Harrison's site and, like Adam below, simply
can't imagine Jim diGriz any other way than Peter imagined and
realised himself in the beautiful cover artwork. Growing up, I was a
massive fan of all Harry's sci-fi stories and must have stared for
hours at the intricate details of Jim's gadgets and the alien worlds
on the book covers. Peter's visionary work was, and still is, a joy to
behold. Mike
Mike
18th of April 2010
I remember looking at many of the works by Peter as they appeared in
the books called Great Space Battles and Spacecraft 2000-2100. I must
have read those books hundreds of times. I enjoyed all of the artwork
but Peter's illustrations always stood out. The detail was incredible
and they always told a story as a standalone image. He really enriched
my life and I was really sad to hear of his passing. Kindest regards,
Mike
Marc
7th of April 2010
I am glad that this site was finally created. It is sad that it is so
long after he passed. His vision was inspiring. Breathtaking. He put
so much into his work. I am saddened that I will never be able to meet
this artist that brought so much joy to my childhood. The TTA books
were my favorite treasure as an adolescent. Each page where one of his
creations appeared was particularly revered.
Re:
The Outposter
David Bezzina
24th of March 2010
Great to see this tribute to a fantastic artist.. kind regards David
Bezzina
n i c o
12th of March 2010
This image is familiar to me for years, as it has been featured in a
SF book i still own from my childhood. I think it may be one of my
favorite from Peter Elson, and it portrays perfectly the kind of
starship design i would like to watch in a SF movie. It would be more
interesting compared to the white or grey starships we are used to
watch in movies like Star Wars.
Re:
The Outposter
Adam Newell
9th of March 2010
It's Peter's Stainless Steel Rat covers which hold the most special
memories for me. I love those books, and it's Peter's version of
Slippery Jim which I see when I read them.
dwnicolo
8th of March 2010
Truly one of the great SF illustrators of the 70's and 80's.
Martin Gooch
7th of March 2010
I have been a huge fan of Peter's work since I was 5 (1977). I still
have all the TTA books, and look at them often. Now I am a film maker
and writer, I am sure Peter has influenced my work and my imagination!
A remarkable talent.
Cialis
6th of March 2010
7AHHpD Excellent article, I will take note. Many thanks for the
story!
Re: Red Mars
Benoît 'Mutos' ROBIN
4th of March 2010
Back in the '70s and '80s, Peter's work, along with his TTA Books
contribution and the band of great artists this golden age spawned,
has always been one of the major inspirations for my own writings. Now
in 2010 I'm leading an association that develops a Sci-Fi universe.
That would never have been without Peter Elson's great art ! And I'm
far from being the only one to have been uplifted this way into
believing SF was a way to go ! Thanks Peter for your great
imagination, your talent at making dreams come true in your paintings
and for your inheritance, the seeds of art to come you planted in so
many minds ^-^
Benoît 'Mutos' ROBIN
4th of March 2010
Also appeared on
Re: Mirkheim
David
16th of February 2010
Had this picture on my wall as a young teenager. Always loved the look
of the machines and the picture as a whole, never knew who had done it
until now some 25 years later.
Re:
War Of The Worlds
George Ebersole
15th of February 2010
I love this man's work. To me he is one of the great all time science
fiction visionaries. I've seen his work in the 70s, and it fired my
imagination. The covers of various science fiction books added a
richness and texture to the story written within. Elson showed me how
to see beyond what everyone else saw. To see it and desire more. He
helped convert my own imagination into a spaceship that could take me
places that other people couldn't even begin to dream of. I had no
idea he had passed on in 1998, and my heart is very saddened at his
loss, and our own.
Ken
10th of February 2010
As a kid, I couldn't figure out how this seemed to look so realistic,
when only the spaceship had very much detail. On a large format
reprint the effect was quite startling (e.g. Great Space Battles).
Seeing it now I think that the bokeh style has a lot to do with the
apparent realism.
Re:
The Power Of Blackness
Ken
10th of February 2010
I prefer the version that appears in Great Space Battles, without the
off-putting rainbow background, but the 'stellar cow' is such a cool
concept. I wonder how much dialogue occurred between Peter and the
client before the design was agreed upon, because the idea is fairly
risky, and could have come off as comical. Fortunately in the hands of
Elson, it works to a T.
Re: Babel 17
Simon Jones
6th of February 2010
Also used as the album cover to Part Chimp's Thriller on the Rock
Action Records label
Re:
Prime Number
Robert Smith
26th of January 2010
This is one of the images that inspired me to become a concept artist,
I think I first saw it at about the age of ten.
Re: Babel 17
James
25th of January 2010
I loved Peter's work as a sci fi obsessed young lad and had several of
the TTA books, actually I still have them! His artwork was and still
is very inspiring.
Ken
18th of January 2010
While far from Elson's best work, it's really interesting to see his
style developing here.
Re:
Vulcan's Hammer
Simon Jones
12th of January 2010
The Black Knight of the Iron Sphere was one of a series of books in
the Lord Tedric series and appeared under the name E.E. Doc Smith but
was in fact written by Gordon Eklund
Re:
Reach For The Stars
Simon Jones
12th of January 2010
Ed McBain is the pseudonym of Evan Hunter and the book this appeared
on was initially publised in 1956 under the name Hunt Collins
Re:
Tomorrow And Tomorrow
Simon Jones
12th of January 2010
written with Ray Nelson
Re:
The Ganymede Takeover
Simon Jones
12th of January 2010
This is actually an anthology of stories of which The Eye of Heron is
by Le Guin. It was edited by Virginia Kidd (the wife of James
Blish)
Re:
The Eye Of The Heron
Simon Jones
12th of January 2010
Author is Clifford D. Simak
Re:
Enchanted Pilgrimage
Simon Jones
11th of January 2010
One of Peter's rare non SF illustrations of which I have a copy of the
book. The other books by Kyle published by Fontana were illustrated by
Tony Roberts
Re:
Terror's Cradle
Simon Jones
11th of January 2010
E(dna) Mayne Hull was Van Vogt's wife
Re:
The Winged Man
Simon JOnes
11th of January 2010
I believe
Re: Derelict 2
Simon Jones
11th of January 2010
Another fantasticly detailed Elson picture - i believe you can even
read the name of the spaceshuttle. I really love the detail here - the
weird ships from the small red thing on the left to the decalled
flying saucer to the see through shape. Cowley's book
Re:
Spaceship Graveyard
Simon Jones
11th of January 2010
One of my all time favourite illustrations along with
Re:
Trader To The Stars
Ken
9th of January 2010
Fantastic spaceship design. How did George Lucas not hire Elson?
Re:
A Sense of Wonder
Ken
9th of January 2010
Once again Elson packs in the detail in a way that no other could do.
Beautiful.
Re:
Welcome To Mars
Ken
9th of January 2010
Amazing photorealism from Elson.
Re:
The Outposter
Simon Jones
8th of January 2010
This book erroniously credits the cover art to David Bergen, but the
PE signiature gives the game away.
Re:
The Wind's Twelve Quarters
Editor
5th of January 2010
Needle galaxy photographed in 1999, a year after Peter's death.
Re:
Untitled 12
Editor
5th of January 2010
This picture was painted many years before the Hubble image 'The
Pillars of Creation' was taken in 1995.
Re:
The Best of Isaac Asimov 1954 - 1972
Ken
4th of January 2010
Surprisingly reminiscent of the Hubble image, the Pillars of
Creation.
Re:
The Best of Isaac Asimov 1954 - 1972
Ken
4th of January 2010
Surely inspired by NGC 4565 The Needle Galaxy?
Re:
Untitled 12
David
3rd of January 2010
Oooh my God, you did it, you made a site about my top artist of my top
three Sci-Fi artist list along with Manchu and Chris Foss... Peter has
been my reference since I discovered some of his pics more than twenty
years ago in some french-translated books, my own vessels always got
that very characteristic touch I always love and recognized in his art
since then. Once I began to have access to the net, I've been trying
to find some more pics from him, but I discovered very few ones, and
even less new ones ; then after looking at the end credits of Spectrum
(a serie of books collecting sci-fi and fantasy artist's works) where
some mail addresses were displayed for a while, I had the idea to
contact Peter by mail a half a dozen years ago to tell him my
admiration... I was so shocked to learn about his disparition then !
It will always be one of my deepest regrets not to have been able to
at least send him a fan mail while he was still alive. Discovering
this site thanks to a friend sharing my interest in him was an
enormous surprise, above all as I thought I knew well his published
works, but I realized in fact I almost knew nothing !!! thank you
very, very, very much for displaying all those wonderful works in so
many various subjects, I abandonned the idea to see such a thing
oneday after all my searches. Peter, wherever you are, I will always
cherish your art.
Jay
3rd of January 2010
During my childhood that magic symbol PE was written on most of the
visions of the future which I still cherish all these years afterward.
I remember those summer days spent in the public library, feverishly
devouring one SF novel after the next, and if they came with that
hallmark, that little PE, usually off in one corner, they were burned
indelibly into my visual cortex. Peter was without a doubt the single
most underrated and under-celebrated SF illustrator the UK has ever
produced. He came along at just the right time and with Chris Foss
among others defined the look of that golden period of the heroic
future. He was also probably the most unfailingly inventive of his
peers and no less skilled than any of them. He had that unique
lightness of execution which displayed his ideas to their best
advantage and he continued to develop as an artist, refining his role
as an illustrator until his later work possessed absolutely everything
an illustration should. Peter unlocked the doors of imagination for
thousands of misspent youths, like my own, so it’s fitting that he
should at last have a gallery dedicated entirely to his work, where
hopefully it may continue to illuminate the future for many others,
and for years to come.
gerry
24th of December 2009
Peter Elson is one of the best artists in the world. I look forward to
more of his art. Too bad there are no art books with his work
available.
mark
21st of December 2009
Peter's works - particularly in the TTA series really made an early
and lasting impact on my childhood (late 70's / early 80's). The sense
of awe and wonder his artwork created in me as a child, encouraged me
to pick up my pencils and draw. Now in my mid-thirties, seeing these
works brings back the excitement and memories of my childhood! Thank
you!
Dom
16th of December 2009
P.E. certainly shaped my imagination as a kid. His style was unique
and very modern! Good to see his work published online, it brings back
a lot of memories.
Marc McKenzie
15th of December 2009
I first saw Peter Elson's work while I was still a child (thirty+
years ago!), via the
Yvan Assioma
13th of December 2009
What a talent! I am a French admirer of his work. His drawings
occupied my childhood; bought from the end of 1980s, I have of leafed
down at least hundred times four volume of the series TTA (conseil
commercial terrien, for the French publishing)by Stewart Cowley. I was
and I remain impressed by his inspiration; how do not to be him by
seeing the features of various animals or bugs in his spaceships; a
cow (babel 17) bugs and other (of vulcan hammer), the examples do not
miss. I am never tired of oberser his drawings. During last ten years
I found six volumes, in french publishing,
Geoff
6th of December 2009
A brilliant site I have been a fan since a child. Many thanks
Si Brad
22nd of November 2009
Peter's images left an indelible impression on my young mind back in
the late 70's . A perfect mix of visual poetry and tangible designs
that looked like they would really work !. Chris Foss ,Jim Burns and
all those other guys wowed you with their airbrush technique but Peter
Elson wowed you with places and craft that looked real .Beautifully
rendered postcards from his imagination,all served up in a distinctive
style that was all his own.... What a great site...Many thanks!
Peter Griffin
16th of November 2009
Great to finally see this website Pam. I never knew Peter completed so
many great paintings even through the nineties. Well done!
Steve Rider
15th of November 2009
This website is a visual delight - and about time too! Great to see
Peter Elson's work showcased in this way.
Drinkwater Steve
14th of November 2009
This picture depicts a Bf109 Messerchmitt - it may not be too accurate
but it is definitely not a Supermarine Spitfire look-alike.
Re: Spitfire
Gerard Thomas
13th of November 2009
Peter, along with Chris Moore and Chris Foss shaped my life and
inspired me to pursue a life in the creative fields. I am so very
happy to finally see a site online dedicated to Peter's work, which to
this day inspires me in a way that none of his (and those of the time)
contemporaries do. Well done.
vincent formosa
12th of November 2009
probably one of the strongest sci-fi images I remember from my
childhood
Re:
The Power Of Blackness
Eric de Broche des Combes
12th of November 2009
He probably played a very important at making me who I am. As a kid
I've read the TAA books so much that they literally turned to dust.
I'm now an illustrator and one can still feel the influence of Peter
in my actual work.
Cris Blyth
11th of November 2009
I owe a lot to Peter, indeed I think I owe my whole career to him, and
I never even met him to thank him. I was around 7 or 8 when I bought
'Great Space Battles', and I started drawing spaceships. That was (I
think) about 32 years ago. I now work in Visual FX and still look in
awe at his artwork that I truly feel made me embark on my journey into
the visual medium. Years ago I worked on a project that I found out he
had made a book cover for, and was excited that we were somehow
involved on the same project. Indeed I made enquiries to contact him
only to find that he had recently passed, I missed him by a couple of
months. Today for some reason I started searching, and found this
website. I am so glad there is a resource that will keep Peters work
intact. Thank you Peter, and thanks to all who put this site together.
crisb.
Ben Ward
10th of November 2009
Spacebase 2000 (a compilation of Terran Trade Authority books) was
where I first found Peter Elson's work. A true inspiration to my ideas
of what spacecraft and even space could look like. Every time I see a
good Sci Fi painting I check for the little [PE] with rounded corners.
As Carol Butfoy put it in the Biography, this is the golden age of Sci
Fi art, and there he was, centre stage. His passing has made me sad,
but this is a wonderful tribute, and I'm looking forward to indulging
in a print or two. Thanks Peter!
A. King
10th of November 2009
I have always been a fan of science fiction, since I was young I liked
the art of the TTA books. I remember vividly reading some of them even
though it was clearly many years ago. I didn't know he had lived and
passed, this website is great tribute to him. Thanks. -A. King
charles r. simpson
10th of November 2009
pam this is GREAT i can't said enough. peter's number one fan thank
you charles r. simpson ravenna, ohio, usa
Geoff Smith
9th of November 2009
I selected a TTA book at a prize at school which was frowned upon by
the headmaster. When I opened that book and saw Peter's work I was
hooked. He was painting the stuff that I was day dreaming about,
things that looked like they worked. He had a really big impact on my
imagination. Looking through the gallery I can see that there are lots
of books I purchased and read becuase they has a PE cover! It is great
to find out more about him, but a pity to hear he is no longer with us
and productive. Even in my mid forties I still stare out of the window
and imagine I'm flying along in the Star Watchmen ship. Well done to
everyone who put this site together. Geoff