*Note that photos were allowed only for media at the Press Preview. Photography is not permitted at the exhibition*
The Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum officially opens tomorrow, January 25! Today was their Press Preview and it was definitely an overwhelming experience. But before I get into what’s on display, let me start at the beginning.
I was already feeling excited this morning, but while walking to the museum I saw these displayed all down Park Avenue and my excitement DOUBLED. It gave me a strange sense of pride knowing that people will be seeing ads for this in New York City.
Before exploring the exhibit, those in attendance received a talk from Colin B. Bailey (The Morgan’s Director), Richard Ovenden (Bodleian Libraries’ Librarian), and John McQuillen (Curator). They provided a brief summary of Tolkien’s life, discussed what the Bodleian exhibition was like and gave
a quick overview of we could expect at The Morgan.
There’s something that Richard Ovenden said that stuck with me, he mentioned that the exhibition at Oxford last year encouraged people to go back to Tolkien’s text and even encouraged people to read his works for the first time. Whether their only experience with Middle-earth was through Peter Jackson’s films or nothing at all, Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth gave them the drive to check out his legendarium, which is something to be extremely proud of. I can only hope it will have the same effect at The Morgan. I for one am ready to welcome any and all fans, old and new!
I stayed clear of any news and reviews from the original exhibition in Oxford because I wanted to see it in person with completely fresh eyes. Even though I tried to not read anything I couldn’t hide from all the praise and loving words people had to say! And I can honestly say all of my expectations were met.
The first thing you see as soon as you get off the elevators is a hobbit hole! Definitely the perfect way to immerse yourself in Middle-earth. And you’re immediately thrust into a closer look at Tolkien’s life through letters, artwork and photographs. The exhibition is split into six sections: Elvish Origins, Home & Family, Sheer Invention, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. Each section is separated by colored walls giving you a clear way to navigate through the space.
I tried to take my time and read everything but I already knew I’d be visiting The Morgan multiple times this winter and spring, so there is still more for me to discover! I loved it all but the thing that really moved me was seeing Tolkien’s first sketch map of the Shire. As someone who feels like a hobbit at heart, it was almost like seeing the beginnings of my home. Being so close to his original works was very surreal.
Maker of Middle-earth will allow people not already familiar with the full scope of Tolkien’s artistic skill to really see what he was capable of. Pencil, watercolor, ink, colored pencil, newspaper doodles to full colored illustrations, there’s a wide variety of work to admire!
So in case it wasn’t already painfully obvious, I wholeheartedly recommend you visit this exhibition of special magnificence!
This exhibition provides the largest collection of Tolkien material ever assembled in the United States. First presented at the Bodleian Libraries in 2018, the 117 objects on view include family photographs and memorabilia, Tolkien’s original illustrations, maps, draft manuscripts, artefacts, and designs related to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. The exhibition guides visitors through Tolkien’s development as a writer and artist, from his childhood and student days, through his career as a scholar of medieval languages and literature, to his family life as a husband and father. It presents a unique opportunity to understand the intensely visual imagination, the dedicated scholarship, and the aspects of daily life that shaped Tolkien’s most treasured works.
The Morgan Library & Museum
Information:
Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth is organized by the Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Morgan Library & Museum, and with the support of The Tolkien Estate, The Tolkien Trust, and members of the Tolkien family. The exhibition is made possible through the generosity of Fay and Geoffrey Elliott.
The exhibition runs from January 25-May 12.
Find more information on The Morgan’s website.
