Memorial to JRR Tolkien commissioned

Pembroke has invited sculptor Tim Tolkien to create a plaque and sculpture installation commemorating his great-uncle, former College Fellow JRR Tolkien. The memorial design depicts Tolkien, with his likeness in a central bronze relief surrounded by a sculpted frame incorporating elements of his own artwork.

Tolkien was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke for twenty years; he wrote The Hobbit and much of The Lord of the Rings during his time at the College, as well as critical works of lasting vitality, including Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics.

The memorial is being funded by individuals and groups from across the Pembroke community and beyond. Subject to receipt of final planning consent, it is due to be installed outside his former rooms during the academic year 2015-16.

Pembroke students have led the way on the memorial endeavour. A student committee developed the original proposal, selected the artist, and reached out to the Tolkien Estate and family. The Junior and Middle Common Rooms each raised ten per cent of the project costs.

Professor Andy Orchard, the current incumbent of the Rawlinson and Bosworth Professorship, comments: ‘Tolkien is central to Pembroke, and a plaque centrally placed in Old Quad and pleasingly facing the one that marks [Smithsonian founder James] Smithson seems appropriate indeed. Tim Tolkien has done a superb job of channelling his great-uncle’s muse, and we are lucky to have such a beautiful and fitting tribute in prospect. Now we just need to get it in place!’

All donors to the memorial project will have their names engrossed on a list to be deposited in the Tolkien section of the college archives. To learn how you can get involved or to see the memorial design, please visit TolkienMemorial.org