The artwork was conceived as a wrap-round cover, and later appeared in other publications, both in the U.K and abroad.

After it was published, I received feedback via the publishers that the author had reported that he liked the “engineering of the spacecraft”.

The image gained further prominence many years later when in 2001 the Turner Prize shortlisted artist, Glenn Brown, ‘appropriated’ the work in his large-scale painting, ‘The Loves of Shepherds (after Double Star by Tony Roberts) 2000’.

This was exhibited at Tate Britain and the close similarity with the early cover was spotted by several people. The Times initially raised the matter, and later the BBC and other news-outlets also soon began reporting the story.

On the evening of the Turner Prize Awards at Tate Britain, I had an opportunity to speak briefly with Glenn hoping that this matter could be resolved simply between ourselves. When this proved not possible, legal action was brought against Brown for copyright infringement. 

Eventually, an out-of-court settlement was reached.

In 2009, Glenn Brown’s version was exhibited as part of his large retrospective at Tate Liverpool.

The original Double Star artwork was later purchased by a private collector, and is now abroad.

A high-quality giclée limited-edition print  of Double Star - hand-signed and numbered - is available.

The print size is 62cms (w) x 44cms (h).

Exclusively available from:

www.wire-frame.net/fineart.htm