Tribute to Dave Barnacle - Designer and artist for Palitoy
Dave Barnacle: Artist and Designer
We were sadden to hear today that David Barnacle, Graphic artist and Packaging Designer, has passed away.
Although David wasn’t a direct Palitoy employee, he was a prolific freelancer for the company, which, for many years, was his biggest client. David trained as a commercial artist and apprenticed in an art studio before his involvement with the Ray Hastings Studio commenced. He would eventually become part owner and director of that studio.
David was introduced to Palitoy in the early 1970’s as he was asked to source artists to work on their projects. Within three years, he became a regular contributor to Action Man as well as Tiny Tears, Risk and Escape from Colditz. His paintings for innumerable Action Man products, some of the originals of which we were able to see in person, were sublime and practically sold the accessories and vehicles themselves. His art conveyed excitement and wonder in every brush stroke.
Collectors have undoubtedly seen literally hundreds of images which he directly created or contributed to, including the Star Wars Cardboard Death Star box art. We were lucky enough to meet and interview him for Total Action Force: The Battle Years and Total Star Wars Toys. He was a true gentleman, generous with his time, full of stories about his career and a supremely talented artist.
The iconic Action Man painting, by Dave Barnacle.
Various Action Man packs by Dave Barnacle.
Action Man uniform designs by Dave Barnacle.
Dave’s sketched mock up for the original Action Force card art.
Roboskull and Triad Fighter packaging shots. Art direction and set design by Dave Barnacle. Photography by Neville Chadwick.
Z Force Battle Tank packaging shot. Art direction and set design by Dave Barnacle - note the in camera ‘splash’ effect. Photography by Neville Chadwick.
The iconic, cardboard Death Star box art, featuring Dave’s son.
Transparency, showing a set piece for a Star Wars advert. Art direction and set design by Dave Barnacle.