A second variant of Merlin's chamber. A handpainted scene by David Rowe.

Behind the Scenes with David Rowe

By Alan Boyd

The Knightmare.com team went to visit David Rowe, the artist of the original hand-painted dungeon rooms.


Living halfway up a mountain in Wales, David is a greatly accomplished artist and is responsible for a number of iconic computer game covers. It was this style that originally attracted Tim Child to commission David to design the original dungeon rooms for Knightmare. David was kind enough to host us for a few days, where he was able to demonstrate not only his incredible artistic skill, but also his pizza making capabilities.

In this series of short videos, David talks us through his experience with working on Knightmare, the design of the dungeon rooms, and also some extra never-before-seen information about some of his favourite rooms.

1: Enter the Dungeon

David talks about how he became involved in Knightmare and how the design process works.

2: Door options

David talks about the famous door options room.

3: Lillith's Room

David discusses the domain of Lillith with its deadly chasm and serpent's mouth.

4: Stomach Room

David gives us inside information about the stomach room a.k.a. the monster's stomach.

You Might Also Like...

Series 6 Quest 6

Series 6, Quest 6. Angry elf Elita demands an apology from dungeoneer Sophia.

Team 6: Sophia, Claire, Kim and Emma from Bournemouth.

How Knightmare Began

The level one dungeon bomb room.

Part 1 of Tim Child's official history of Knightmare revisits how it all began - from the original idea in 1985 to getting a first series in 1987.

Knightmare Merchandise

David Rowe's Art of Knightmare book, signed by the author.

Knightmare merchandise included a broad range of items. These included computer games and a board game, signed cast photo-packs, plus a range of Knightmare t-shirts, sweatshirts and mugs.