We’re sorry to report the passing of science fiction artist extraordinaire Bob Layzell, his death announced this week by his daughter, artist Shana Layzell. He suffered a heart attack late last year, and had been in hospital for six weeks, with diabetic problems.
His work was on display at Glasgow 2024 – his first exhibit in a decade, which was at the Dynamite Gallery in Brighton, and featured work from the early 2000s to some of his most recent pieces.
“His colourful work is instantly recognisable,” said the exhibition curators, “with his designs having a gritty, apocalyptic and futuristic feel, somewhere between the aerodynamic streamlining of Jim Burns and the industrial look of Chris Foss.”
Professor Brian Cox has said his work acted as a catalyst as a small child, encouraging his interest in learning how the way the Universe works.
Born in Brighton in 1940, Bob (also known as Merlin way back in the day, according to his artist daughter) was, and will remain, a legendary illustrator from the golden age of British science fiction art, fondly celebrated for his his memorable 1970’s book covers and, for his work on the Terran Trade Authority (TTA) project, Spacecraft 2000 to 2100 an often cited example.
Some of his original paintings once dressed the walls of now long closed Vortex Books at 50 Preston Road, in Brighton, run by Simon de Wolfe. (2000AD artist David Pugh provided art from some of its shop flyers and adverts).
Along with creating a huge range of book cover art, he may also be remembered for his contributions to the British Perry Rhodan series published by Futura.
He was also responsible for set decor for the Southwick Players for several years, on a diverse range of productions that included Far from the Madding Crowd and The Elephantman.
“Saddened to hear the wonderfully talented Bob Layzell has passed away,” commented fellow artist Terry Oakes on his passing. “Only met him a couple of times, but he was a lovely man. A great illustrator who produced fantastic artwork. You will be missed.”
“To quote Carl Sagan, that the atoms that make up the human body are billions of years old originating from stars that passed,” commented Bob’s nephew “Kaisergeezer” on Instagram.
“So the Earth today will be losing a star and the Universe will be gaining one exceptional one.
“Rest in Power Bob.”
Our sympathies to family, friends and his many fans at this time.
Bob Layzell, born 4th May 1940, died 29th January 2026
Head downthetubes for…
• The Internet Speculative Fiction Database: Bob Layzell
• Terran Trade Authority and Galactic Encounters Guide
Background material and information about the TTA books, along with some information on the elusive ‘Galactic Encounters’ series by Steven Caldwell (aka Stewart Cowley)
• Ski-Iffy – Bob Layzell Tagged Entries
• Perrypedia: Bob Layzell’s Perry Rhodan related work Checklist (in German)
- About the Author
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Books, downthetubes News, Features, Obituaries, Other Worlds
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