Make the journey to Middle Earth
VISITORS heading to Banbury Museum this month will be transported into the world of The Hobbit thanks to a new exhibition.
Journeys into Middle Earth features a collection of paintings depicting scenes from JRR Tolkien’s best-selling novel, and three original hand-written letters from the author himself are also on display.
The museum, based in Castle Quay shopping centre, will be running the exhibition until February 2 and exhibitions officer Dale Johnston said: “It is immensely satisfying to have the exhibition here, and it is proving to be really popular with those who have come and seen it already.
“It is a combination of paintings of scenes from Middle Earth and some actual objects that have been kindly donated by Mr Tolkien’s family. To have the hand-written letters here for people to see is marvellous.”
The paintings are by Canadian artist Tim Nasmith, who is acclaimed for his Tolkien work.
Mr Johnston said: “The idea for the exhibition goes back many years when I saw an exhibition by Mr Nasmith. I was then able to get into contact and was fortunate enough to get several items for us to display.
“Tolkien was inspired by lots of things in and around the area, the Rollright Stones near Chipping Norton formed part of a scene that was in one of the Hobbit books but unfortunately was left out of the film!”
The exhibition is family-friendly and there is a dressing up area for children and accompanying activities including a dragon treasure prize trail.
Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is the third best-selling novel of all time, with more than 150 million books sold around the world. The film trilogy was also heavily acclaimed and is among the highest-grossing films of all times, winning 17 awards.
The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and admission is free.
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Weather for Banbury
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
