11 Facts About Josh Kirby

Ronald William "Josh" Kirby was a British commercial artist.

Josh Kirby was born on 27 November 1928 at 58 Argo Road, Waterloo, Lancashire.

Josh Kirby's parents were Charles William and Ellen Kirby who ran a grocery shop together, although his father was a ship owner's freight clerk.

Josh Kirby was attracted to science fiction and fantasy from images seen in films and magazines.

Josh Kirby met the model June Furlong in 1948 and they remained lifelong friends.

Josh Kirby lived and worked there, in a cramped studio, until his death.

Josh Kirby died of natural causes in his sleep at home in Shelfanger at the age of 72 on 23 October 2001 and was survived by his brother Len and two nephews.

Josh Kirby worked as freelance all his career, having left his only employment after half a day.

Josh Kirby carried out the commission but decided against portraiture as a career and turned to illustration for film posters and books.

Josh Kirby designed a poster for The Life of Brian inspired by Pieter Brueghel's Tower Of Babel, but it was not used.

Josh Kirby's first published book cover art was for the 1955 science fiction novel Cee-Tee Man, by Dan Morgan.