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'A true community project': Wolverhampton gates created by JRR Tolkien's great-nephew restored and officially re-opened

Metal gates created by the great-nephew of JRR Tolkien for a Wolverhampton nature reserve have been officially unveiled after being lovingly restored.

By Paul Jenkins
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The Tolkien Gates, at the entrance to Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve on Brantley Avenue, Finchfield, were designed by sculptor Tim Tolkien - great-nephew of Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien - in the 1990s with the help of students at the University of Wolverhampton, Smestow Academy and the Groundworks Trust of Birmingham and the Black Country.

Volunteers who worked on the restoration of the gates and others look on as they are re-opened officially,
Volunteers who worked on the restoration of the gates and others look on as they are re-opened officially. Photo: Steve Leath

They mark the entrance to the former Wolverhampton Environment Centre, which was transformed into a beauty spot and an extension of the existing nature reserve in 2019, and feature depictions of woodland flora and fauna, plus people bird-watching and working in gardens.

Their restoration came about thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers supported by Wolverhampton Council and councillors including Sally Garner of Tettenhall Wightwick ward.

The gates were unveiled at the Finchfield site on Saturday (October 18) by mayor Councillor Craig Collingswood, with volunteers and Mr Tolkien present.

Volunteer and custodian Terry Holdcroft with Wolverhampton Mayor Craig Collingswood and Tim Tolkien who originally sculpted the gates and has now seen them restored,
Volunteer and custodian Terry Holdcroft with Wolverhampton Mayor Craig Collingswood and Tim Tolkien who originally sculpted the gates and has now seen them restored. Photo: Steve Leath

Mr Tolkien said: "This was a project which was steeped in the community when it first came about and the restoration has been the same, with the hard work of council representatives, volunteers and community representatives to the fore.

"I like to take ownership of the work I do in the respect of not forgetting where it is, what it is there for and keeping track of how a project is progressing - most of my work belongs to the community it serves.

"And I'm not someone who just plonks a piece of work down and then forget it and the restoration shows they haven't been - it has been a wonderful effort by all concerned."

Tim Tolkien in front of the gates.
Tim Tolkien in front of the gates. Photo: Steve Leath

Councillor Garner said: "This has been a true community project where everyone has rallied round, dusted off their overalls and painted and restored the gates with the support of the council.

"Their re-opening has been a celebration of a combined effort, including the Friends of the Wolverhampton Environment Centre, Friends of Smestow Valley Nature Reserve and other community groups, all within Tettenhall Wightwick ward and supported by Wolverhampton Council."