Warhammer 40K Artist John Blanche Gets New Biography
We take a closer look at the new book which celebrates Warhammer 40K artist John Blanche, creator of the legendary “Blanchitsu” art style.
Over the decades, Games Workshop and the Warhammer 40K brand has been influenced by countless individuals. One of the most prominent, however, is legendary British designer Bryan Ansell, who recently passed away on December 30th, 2023.
While Ansell might not be a household name, his impact on GW and Warhammer 40K can be felt to this day, helping to shape the company and the game as we now know it.
Who was Bryan Ansell?
Bryan Ansell is best known as a miniature sculptor, game designer and businessman who helped to create Warhammer Fantasy Battle and Warhammer 40,000 for Games Workshop, eventually going on to become GW’s Managing Director.
Ansell first cut his teeth in the wargaming field after founding Citadel Miniatures in 1978, creating a number of products for use by Games Workshop, which at the time was owned by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone.
As a GW designer, Ansell was instrumental in helping to create 1983’s Warhammer Fantasy Battle and its spin off Warhammer 40,000, both of which helped establish the financial success of the company.
In 1985, Ansell bought out Jackson and Livingstone’s shares in Games Workshop, becoming Managing Director and overseeing a number of key new products and expansions for both the Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 lines. During that time, Ansell also moved the company’s base of operations from London to Nottingham, where its HQ remains to this day, earning the moniker as the UK’s “lead belt.”
In 1991, Ansell sold his shares in Games Workshop to General Manager and game designer Tom Kirby but continued to work in the wargaming and miniatures fields, establishing two new companies: Guernsey Foundry and Foundry Miniatures before retiring in 2005.
SEE OUR NEWS COVERAGE
Visit our Warhammer 40K News page for more reviews and updates.
Zachary Birch lives in Medford, Massachusetts and has been a dedicated war gamer for over 15 years, playing pretty much ever system under the sun. Orks remain his favorite Warhammer 40K army (because nothing beats stomping gits into the ground). He also enjoys playing video games, reading, playing the guitar and shouting “WAAAGH!” at inappropriate times.
*We are a member of the Amazon Affiliates program, which allows us to earn a small commission off of any sales at no extra cost to you the consumer.
Battle for Macragge Box Set Now Available
We dig into the “Battle for Macragge,” an new made to order recreation of the classic introductory box set.