Quote: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 aeady 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.

Quote: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

(22 Aug 2019, 12:45 )Frank Wrote: Not sure if a photo is in this thread (17 pages is a lot!) but someone on DeviantArt posted this photo supposedly of the artist himself. I give you, Robert Bishop!

(22 Aug 2019, 21:23 )Frank Wrote: Something I can offer is an actual magazine of Bishop's Art, Issue 1 printed in May 2000.

(23 Aug 2019, 12:04 )Frank Wrote: I think most of the images have been posted in this thread aeady.

(17 Jan 2025, 14:07 )rear_window Wrote: Hello,

New member here. I know this thread has been dormant for a while but I'm hoping someone here can help me. I have a copy of Bishop on Bondage Number 1, the issue that says something like, "illustrations perfect for framing and hanging." I think HOM intentionally used weak glue so that the pages could be removed easily. Anyway, All my pages have detached and I can't tell if I'm missing any. Could I ask that someone post scans of the page order either here or message me directly? I looked through the images posted and they don't appear to be in any specific order, at least to my eyes. Thanks in advance.

-RW