JRR Tolkien display on show
An exhibition celebrating author JRR Tolkien's links with Staffordshire is to go on display.
Residents in Stafford will get the chance to see the JRR Tolkien - Soldier and Myth Maker exhibition celebrating the author of The Lord of the Rings'.
The fascinating insight into the writer's early years, and his time spent in the county, has toured the area since March.
So far it has been seen by more than 40,000 visitors.
The exhibition will land at the Shire Hall Gallery from October 25 to November 16.
On October 26, from 7pm to 8pm, local historian David Robbie will discuss Tolkien's time in the county in a talk about how the Great War impacted on the author's writing career.
The following day, families can join in a dragon craft workshop with Staffordshire artist Hannah Reynolds from 10am to noon.
Entry the workshop is £2 per child and booking is essential. Contact the gallery on 01785 278345 or email: shirehallgallery@staffordshire.gov.uk The exhibition moves to Stafford Library from January 10 to February 27.
Gill Heath, libraries chief at Staffordshire County Council said: "This is a fascinating exhibition with thousands of people already getting the chance to see it. It's clear that Staffordshire had a profound effect on this famous writer's formative years, and we're very proud of this connection.
This exhibition offers visitors a rare chance to learn more about the author's stay in Staffordshire."
Highlights include rare photos and copies of original sketches of domestic scenes and landscapes by Tolkien. They have been loaned by The Tolkien Estate and Bodleian Library and have not been seen in Staffordshire since they left with the author in 1918.
Visit www.staffordshiregreatwar.com or www.staffordshire.gov.uk
