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Trish Carden posted up on Instagram just now to say that unfortunately John Blanche passed away a couple of days ago.
It's a massive loss from one of the greatest fantasy and science fiction artists. His vision created what we all still share and enjoy today. Knew he was ill for a while but it's still a great shame.
This is a sad day indeed. John's artwork got me interested in Warhammer, both Fantasy and 40k, in the first place.
I was immensely humbled and privileged to hear him speak live during the first Warhammer Conference I've attended, in Heidelberg, in 2024.
And Davien felt a kick inside her, as though some organ she never knew she’d possessed was suddenly pumping. She looked into their faces, her own little congregation, and they were connected to her, souls speaking to her soul. My family, she knew. Blood of the angels.
Just seen. Pouring out a pot of Nuln oil for him later. It's funny you never know the ones that are really going to get you, but this is a downer. RIP John. Kudos on such a great legacy
Just noticed his name trending on bsky and was so saddened to see why. As a Fantasy Lad I resisted the wiles of 40K for three whole years but it was JB's 2ndEd Sisters of Battle codex cover and Battlefieet Gothic box cover that made its lure impossible to ignore.
An actual legitimate creative mind, the hobby is poorer for his loss.
"All GW will gain is my increased contempt for their business practices." - AesSedai
"Its terrible the way that conversion kit is causing him to buy 2 GW kits... " - Mad4Minis
"GW are hard to parody, as they are sometimes so stupid that the best in comedy couldn't beat them at their own game..." - Paradigm
Yeah it was great to see him gaining a new wave of fans and exposure in the latter years when so many often get forgotten. A huge shame to lose him; he defined generations of art and gaming for so many of us!
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Blanche.
His unique vision and extraordinary artwork shaped not only Games Workshop, but the entire miniature wargaming hobby. His influence can be seen in countless armies, stories, and imaginations around the world. The dark, gothic aesthetic he created became an inseparable part of Warhammer and inspired generations of hobbyists, artists, and gamers.
I had the privilege of meeting him once in Nottingham in the early 2000s, and it remains a cherished memory. To have met someone whose work had such a profound impact on a hobby I love was a genuine honor.
The miniature world has lost one of its true legends. His art, creativity, and imagination will continue to inspire for years to come.
Rest in peace, John Blanche. You will be greatly missed.
Fabio Bile wrote: That really sucks. I mean I knew it was a matter of time, but then it always is.
It's nice though that he got a big surge in popularity before his death and was able to do projects like Voodoo Forest and En Garde.
I agree, it was great that more of his work made it out there. I think he was very aware of how little time he had left and so decided to go all out with some fantastic projects.
With his health having been what it was for years, I can't say I'm surprised about the news, lamentable as they are.
As a giant among artists and a personal inspiration for me and countless others, his defining vision will live on beyond his years. Moisten up thine Zorn palettes and splatter thine gauche, me hearties, for one more has put down their brushes for the final time.
Not really unexpected, but still sad. Condolences to his family and friends.
But well, he lived his dream, mostly doing what he loved - not many of us did and do that. And he left a huge legacy of fantasy and creativity. Thanks for that, Laurence John Blanche.
Ultramarines, 3rd Co. and friends, 16k+ 
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" - Mad4Minis
Fatum Iustum Stultorum 