The Perry Twins early GW and Citadel sketches

 

This week (commencing 15th June 2026) Michael and Alan posted some wonderful sketches from their time at Citadel and then GW. This is all borrowed (with permission) from Alan and Michael Perry posting on their Facebook page. All images are theirs and should only be used with their express permission etc. Links at the bottom.

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**First post***

And now for something a bit different!

A long time ago in a galaxy far away we worked for a small company called Citadel Miniatures which was the figure producing side of Games Workshop. We started as freelancers back in 1978, while we were still at school. We worked from home, in Hertfordshire, for the first nine years before heading up to live in Nottingham. In those nine years we would travel every couple of weeks to either Dalling Road, Hammersmith, (where the GW office was above the first shop) where we meet up with Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson to show what we had made and haggle over the price, or later to Newark where Citadel was based. Later still, it moved to Nottingham. From 1978 until into the late 80’s we would normally do our own concept art and then later alongside other actual concept artists. We would be particularly involved if they were human troops, even more so if there was an historical slant we could exploit.

A little while ago we came across our old sketch books dating back to 1978 in some cases and thought some people might be interested in seeing some of them. These will be a random posts and in no order. First up, Empire troops. If you like these there are plenty more to put up.

***2nd post***

Well, that went well! We can't believe the fantastic response!  Here's the next batch, quite a random group. The first four are early (1978-79?), showing the old red orcs as well as the beginnings of the long armed orcs which over the decades became more beefed up but originally were quite skinny. These, in turn, were actually based on the orcs in a painting Michael did (before we even joined GW) of the Battle of Pelennor fields; the death of Theoden. Speaking of which there a few pics of the small LOTR range we made in the late 1970's (?) on the same page.

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Nothing extra from me barring that I've been a fan since they appeared under Citadel's banner.

The only picture of me with them was from Salute 2008 or, more accurately, the Premier Inn nearby.

Their Facebook page is here;

https://www.facebook.com/perryminiatures

The Perry Miniatures site here;

https://www.perry-miniatures.com/

Do pop over and join the page and buy their minis of course! Tell them I sent you :)

enquiries@deartonyblair.co.uk

Northern Games Day - 1983

As it says on the tin! I remember it well as I was working in the Manchester shop at the time. Can't remember if this was the one where they had Archive Miniatures blistered up and I didn't get any as I'd not get staff discount at the show... they never appeared and everyone swore they didn't have them at the show. Hmmm. Talked to Nevile Stocken about it a few years back and he never knew they had actually cast them as no agreement had been made. One of my holy grails is to pick up some of these! The other one it could have been (or maybe this was both!) is where Bryan turned up with a box of newly cast blisters which were in an awful alloy. Shade of future problems to come for us collectors. Do miss the man, my weekends at BOYL were great fun helping out and chatting to them all. Anyway, I found my old programme so though I'd add it to the rest. Please leave a comment as I'm starting to worry no one reads me any more!

Until next time...

Citadel Miniatures' order form... the early 80's

Picking up old GW / Citadel ephemera is a joy. This is one of the later of the early order forms, from the 10 Victoria Street address of the early 80's. Pretty certain I was there around 82/83 which is where I first met Diane and Bryan. Should have taken the job offering from Diane! I do remember being allowed to go through the lead bins at the back and picking up loads of loose sci-fi and fantasy weapons. Great fun!

The old factory premises today from Google street view.

  Enjoy!

enquiries@deartonyblair.co.uk