Robert K. Bishop
"Bishop"
Born in the state of
Michigan, "Bishop" became an illustrator who studied art in the city of Detroit
(Michigan Art School).
His early works that reached notoriety after his beginnings with Centurians Publications,
and other assorted early "Scene"
magazines created a following, this writer included, that to this day grows larger.
Often referred to only as
"Bishop", he is best known for his black and white work, with the use of
airbrush to generate
texture and sheen to his drawings.
He is considered by many
to be the pre-eminent Master of bondage illustrations repeatedly featuring helpless women
straining in stringent bondage, usually dressed in latex, and heavily gagged.
Having expressed concerns
with the "politically correct yet consensual, "Harmony Philosophy"
pertaining to fiction,
he directed his endeavors with the House of Milan, and it was with HOM that much of his
most published works were seen,
including the "Fanny Hall" erotic comic series, and covers for the Geoffrey
Merrick, and Frank Campbell novels.
The rest is History.
He just followed his natural instincts and
pretty much updated his memories of John Willie's work, much in the same way
Lucas and Spielberg updated their memories of Saturday matinee serials for their
Indiana Jones -- i.e., with a vengeance.
In addition to his artistry, he added a strong heterosexual element hithertofore
essentially ignored by other artists.
In spite of being somewhat revolutionary, he thought nothing of it and was even
surprised when asked why he didn't use
a "nom de perv" pseudonym like virtually everyone else in the industry.
Although "Bishop" was well suited to the genre,
it was his real name.
Barb (Barbara Behr) Bish, and HOM were
the only game in town until Harmony was created much much later.
By then, in fact, Barb was already itching to split off to create California Star and
Bish's will was beginning to flag.
But prior to that he had created much of the most glorious BD art ever drawn.
He was certainly a loner and a something of
a recluse, especially after he left HOM, but he also spent a lot of time
prior to that as a motorcycle enthusiast, an avid moviegoer, a comic book fan, and
fine photographer.
From my
research it is suggested that he was an avid gun enthusiast,
though not really a collector, per se.
He had rifles and hand-guns which he used for target shooting in the hills, but
stopped a bit short of being a collection.
Sadly, "The Bishop" ended his own
life at the age of 46. For reasons known but to himself.
It is not up to me to either question his actions nor to judge him by them.
Each man must do what he feels in his heart and mind.
In reality, "The Bishop" will never be gone from us. His works, and his memory live on.
My thanks to Hunter Rose
who helped complete my compendium of known works, and also my sincere
gratitude to Geoffrey Merrick for sharing with me, some personal insight about
his friend. Additionaly
Mistress Michelle has recently included her thoughts which can be read below.
For the month of June we honor Robert Bishop. In 1979 , while doing a photo shoot for HOM I met Robert Bishop. The same day I also
met Campbell. Campbell , Bill Ward and Bishop in Bondage were the three main B&D artist of that time. Some also say Wiley and Stanton.
Bob however touched me because after the photo shot he presented me with a drawing he had done of myself. Bob Bishop started drawing
bondage over 43 years ago for Centurian Publishing. Because Centurian was not big enough to pay his salary he went to HOM for full time
work and was there for nearly 20 years. Most of his drawings were done in the mid 70's and early 80's . In the mid 80's he took over as
editor and chief. He did a few drawings at that time and left around 1988. He died suddenly in 1991. We corresponded for years until I
lost touch. He is surely missed.
Mistress Michelle
If anyone is aware
of any of his works not shown here,
please contact me.
Thank You - Talon