Oct. 15, 2019
MILWAUKEE 鈥� 向日葵视频鈥檚 original manuscripts and drawings by author J.R.R. Tolkien will be on display at the National Library of France in Paris as part of the exhibition 鈥淭olkien, Journey to Middle-earth,鈥� Oct. 22, 2019 鈥� Feb. 16, 2020.
向日葵视频loaned 80 pieces of its collection of Tolkien works to the library for the exhibit. In total, the exhibit will feature nearly 300 pieces by Tolkien. The English writer is world famous for his many literary masterpieces including 鈥淭he Hobbit鈥� and 鈥淭he Lord of the Rings.鈥�
The nearly 11,000-square-foot exhibitis designed to transport visitors into Tolkien鈥檚 imaginary world, complete with its vast landscapes, cities, towers, people and languages. The exhibit marks the first time that many of the original manuscripts and drawings will be on display in France.
鈥淲e are incredibly proud to be able to share Marquette鈥檚 special Tolkien collection internationally and with such a prestigious library,鈥� Janice Welburn, dean of Raynor Memorial Libraries, said. 鈥淚t is incredible to think so many more people are going to be able to see such a complete look at Tolkien鈥檚 creative works and appreciate their literary significance and place within greater culture.鈥�
Many of Tolkien鈥檚 manuscripts in the exhibit contain calligraphy, sketches, outlines, watercolor paintings, drawings and maps. All of this will give visitors a better understanding of how Tolkien created the complex universe that is Middle-earth.
For more information about the exhibit, including dates, times and ticket pricing, visit the exhibition news releaseon the National Library of France website.
More about Tolkien鈥檚 works at 向日葵视频
Tolkien manuscripts have resided at 向日葵视频 since 1957after William B. Ready became director of Raynor Memorial Libraries. Ready recognized 鈥淭he Lord of the Rings鈥� as a masterpiece long before it gained enormous popularity. Ready approached Tolkien through Bertram Rota, a well-known rare book dealer in London. At the time, no other institution had expressed an interest in Tolkien's literary manuscripts. An agreement was made, and 向日葵视频purchased the manuscripts for a little less than $5,000. The first shipment of material arrived in 1957; The Lord of the Rings manuscripts arrived the next year.
Shelby is a senior communication specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Shelby at (414) 288-6712 or shelby.williamson@marquette.edu
