Eerie Book Cover Artwork by John Holmes

British artist John Holmes was born in London where he lived all his life except for time he spent in the Royal Air Force. In 1965 John saw a notice about further education for working men which, supported by a bursary from Royal Society of Arts, led him to gain a place at the London College of Printing. His work was at first abstract and he gained an exhibition place at the Raille Gallery; later, possibly inspired by an accident involving his daughter where she was badly scalded, his work involved more figurative shapes and images. It was at this point he was commissioned to produce art for album covers, book covers, and illustrations for various publications. The 1970s saw him produce some of his most famous works for the literary scene: Germaine Greer absolutely loved his artwork for The Female Eunuch, and his styling certainly fit well with the horror and disturbing imagination of H.P. Lovecraft, and Fontana’s Horror Series.

We collated a selection of our favourite covers from this period… But beware, they are rather disturbing for sensitive souls… Don’t get nightmares…