Tolkien's own art - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 04-05-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatthewM

Thanks LalwendëI think the second one might be it because I read somewhere that Tolkien approved of Pauline's drawings of The Fellowship, and that Legolas was hooded so his hair color was not shown. He looks hooded here. I had an image in my head that the picture would be facing frontwards, but perhaps this is the right one. What do you think?

Alan Lee stated that both he & CT didn't like illustrations which showed the characters in too much detail - maybe Tolkien himself felt the same...

MatthewM · 04-05-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davem

Alan Lee stated that both he & CT didn't like illustrations which showed the characters in too much detail - maybe Tolkien himself felt the same...

That makes sense, I think Tolkien probably would feel the same. Thanks for that info.

Galin · 06-25-2007, 08:58 AM

Hammond and Scull relate that in 1969 Pauline Baynes and her husband visited Tolkien and his wife, taking with them 'the finished painting for the poster A Map of Middle-earth' (along with gifts). As for commentary on it, all I could find was that JRRT thought her map for The Hobbit was better. If we assume the depiction of the Fellowship was included here perhaps it was finished as well.

On the poster, the Fellowship (the same picture as on the book cover linked in this thread) appears above the 'map proper' while the nasty folk are set below.

Anyway, more speculation of course. Hammond and Scull are reportedly working on a book about P. Baynes so perhaps there will be more to learn in general.

MatthewM · 06-25-2007, 05:26 PM

Thanks for that information, Galin. As usual, tons of speculation, little fact. As is much with Tolkien.

If you happen to have a better picture of the Fellowship than the one linked (if you find yours) it would be great to post it here!

Galin · 01-25-2008, 10:56 AM

In the new book on The Hobbit, in note 14 to The Bladorthin Typescript Rateliff notes (concerning the art for a poster map by P. Baynes)...

Quote:

'... In addition to ten vignettes on the map itself, Baynes added a headpiece at top showing all nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring (plus Bill the pony) and a tailpiece at bottom showing the Black Riders, Gollum, Shelob, and a horde of orcs. Although Tolkien greatly admired Baynes' work on the whole, he disliked this particular piece so much that, in addition to writing this essay he had the top and bottom cropped off the original painting when he had it framed for presentation to his longtime secretary, Joy Hill (personal communication, May 1987).'

The essay referred to (circa 1970) is said to be in response to seeing Pauline Baynes' art for the poster map. In this chapter Rateliff published those comments concerning Gandalf, implying to my mind that there is more to the essay, which is at the Bodleian Library.

I may be wrong (I would need a look at a better reproduction to check it out), but so far it almost looks to me as if P. Baynes has (possibly) put the hair of the Hobbit's feet on the bottom (of the feet). Anyone?

Folwren · 01-25-2008, 11:03 AM

For Christmas, either my brother or I received a book (isn't it shameful? I can't remember who got it!) about Tolkien as an illustrator. I love his artwork. If I'm the one who got the book, I'll find it and let you know the title of the book.

-- Folwren

Galin · 01-25-2008, 11:48 AM

I would guess J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator (Hammond and Scull)

If so, great book

06-25-2007, 08:58 AM	#3
Galin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,036	Hammond and Scull relate that in 1969 Pauline Baynes and her husband visited Tolkien and his wife, taking with them 'the finished painting for the poster A Map of Middle-earth' (along with gifts). As for commentary on it, all I could find was that JRRT thought her map for The Hobbit was better. If we assume the depiction of the Fellowship was included here perhaps it was finished as well. On the poster, the Fellowship (the same picture as on the book cover linked in this thread) appears above the 'map proper' while the nasty folk are set below. Anyway, more speculation of course. Hammond and Scull are reportedly working on a book about P. Baynes so perhaps there will be more to learn in general. Last edited by Galin; 06-26-2007 at 10:52 AM.

06-25-2007, 05:26 PM	#4
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Thanks for that information, Galin. As usual, tons of speculation, little fact. As is much with Tolkien. If you happen to have a better picture of the Fellowship than the one linked (if you find yours) it would be great to post it here! __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

01-25-2008, 11:03 AM	#6
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	For Christmas, either my brother or I received a book (isn't it shameful? I can't remember who got it!) about Tolkien as an illustrator. I love his artwork. If I'm the one who got the book, I'll find it and let you know the title of the book. -- Folwren __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

01-25-2008, 11:48 AM	#7
Galin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,036	I would guess J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator (Hammond and Scull) If so, great book