Ralph McQuarrie’s Non-Star Wars Art Collected In Awesome Coffee Table Book
This article is more than 2 years old
Whenever we talk about Star Wars art here on GFR, if often involves the stellar poster designs of Drew Struzan, but we’re going to another galaxy for this one. Academy Award-winning conceptual designer and illustrator Ralph McQuarrie was arguably best known for giving Darth Vader and R2-D2 their signature looks, but his career spanned many other areas than just George Lucas’ universe. And those who don’t mind footing the bill can Kickstart a massive coffee table book showcasing McQuarrie’s multi-faceted talents.
The The Art of Ralph McQuarrie: ARCHIVES crowdfunding campaign is being put together by Dreams and Visions Press, the company that published the original Art of Ralph McQuarrie back in 2007. This 432-page update brings together everything from the limited edition first printing, along with loads of never-before-seen pieces of his work in areas such as technical illustration, movie posters, book covers, non-Star Wars film work, other commercial pieces, and several of his own personal works.
Two versions of ARCHIVES are up for purchase. There’s a hardcover edition with printed covers, and a deluxe clothbound edition that comes with its own traycase. You can take a peek at the snazzier, individually numbered copy below.
Here’s a look at early art for Charles B. Pierce’s The Town That Dreaded Sunshine, based on the Phantom Killer in Texarkana.
And here’s a shot of a personal painting. This guy really had a head for art, right?
Depending on how much you donate to the fund, you can get signed photos, signed bookplates, rare posters, dinner, wood-framed portfolios, and more. Plus, Dreams and Visions Press has more rare books they’ve published as part of the rewards, including the Japanese text version of The Star Wars Art of Ralph McQuarrie, the paperback gallery exhibit guide A Gallery of Imagination, and Remembering Ralph McQuarrie, which celebrates the artist’s life with personal photos and words from many of his friends and family members.
Check out the entire promo video below.
At the time of this writing, the campaign has raised over $31,000 of a $50,000 goal, with 18 days left to go. It ends on July 13, so go check it out here and pick yourself up a high-quality book from a legendary artist.
