1970s Conversation with Smaug Poster, J.R.R. Tolkien, George Allen & Unwin Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, Camden Graphics fantasy wall art decor

This is an original Tolkien poster from either the late 1960s or early 1970s of J.R.R Tolkien's 1937 painting "Conversation with Smaug", showing the indomitable and invisible Bilbo Baggins waxing lyrical with Smaug the Terrible who in all his majesty lies within the Halls of the Lonely Mountain atop his golden hoard.
Dimensions: 30 in x 20 in (76cm x 51 cm)
Drawn by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
From: George Allen & Unwin
Printed in England by Sackville Press
Distribution by Camden Graphics
Condition: There are some corner paper losses, and some pinhole damage (see photos)

Smaug was the greatest fire-breathing dragon of the Third Age. In T.A. 2770 he attacked the Lonely Mountain and the town of Dale. He claimed the treasure of the mountain for himself and forced Thrór, King under the Mountain, and his people into exile. Thorin's quest - with the help of his burglar Bilbo Baggins - to reclaim the treasure ended in success when Smaug was slain by Bard in T.A. 2941.

It had already been established that Bilbo was good at riddles, as he spoke told to Gollum during their conversation under the Misty Mountains. When Bilbo snuck into Erebor's treasure room, Smaug the dragon awoke to confront him so he decided to introduce himself through riddles and cryptic names. Towering over the tiny Hobbit, Smaug asks, "Who are you and where do you come from, may I ask?" After some stuttering, Bilbo replies, "I come from under the hill... And under hills and over hills my paths lead. And through air, I am he who walks unseen." While this line may seem a bit random, it actually works in Bilbo's favor, as Smaug is far more intrigued by these titles and asks for more.

Because of the age of these posters, there are areas of wear and tear, particularly on the edges. I have done my best to take photos where they are torn. The good news is that when framed, the tears press up well against glass, and edges can be hidden by mats. Any wear picked up from years are part of the charm.

These posters are sent as unframed. They will be rolled up and delivered in a cardboard tube for protection.

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