1977 Pauline Baynes Map of Middle Earth Poster, J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Third Age, fantasy wall art decor

This is a 1970s map of J.R.R Tolkien's "A Map of Middle Earth", which has retained its colour well for a 50 year old map. Shows the Fellowship at the top and the Nazgul at the bottom, with illustrations of notable places in Middle Earth.
"Drawn and embellished by Pauline Baynes, based on the cartography of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.J.R. Tolkien. Ninth Trade Printing 1977. Printed in Great Britain by George Allen & Unwin Ltd 1970".
Dimensions: 29.5 in x 20 in (74cm x 51 cm)
Condition: the edges are a bit rough, but the quality of the map itself is in great condition. There have been some repairs to the edges and pinholes, see photos.

Pauline Baynes’s celebrated map, ‘based on the cartography of J.R.R. and C.J.R. Tolkien’ – the copy of the original printed map, annotated extensively by Tolkien, on which this version was based was sold by Blackwell’s in 2015 and is now in the Bodleian Library; it shows the extent of his input, as well as the artist’s skill in rendering his instructions in visual form.

Pauline Baynes was the only artist approved by Tolkien to illustrate this works during his lifetime. After close consultation with the author she created this pictorial poster-map of Middle-earth for readers of The Lord of the Rings. Unbeknown to him she added vignettes of many of the key places, as well as a header and footer showing the Fellowship and their pursuers. Of the vignettes Tolkien later wrote, 'some of these pictures agree remarkably with my own vision: especially the first four on the right (Minas Morgul is almost exact)'.

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.

When framed these colourful and detailed posters can become a centre piece for any room, to remind us of a simpler time.

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

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