Two sculptures have been unveiled in the village of Roos, celebrating the legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Friday, June 6, in the grounds of All Saints Church and saw guests far and wide visit. The event offered atendees the chance to explore Tolkien’s connection to the region, as well as witness the reveal of the sculptures which were funded by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Route Yorkshire Coast.
At the event, church bell ringers serenaded guests and Tolkien themed cupcakes proved to be a hit among attendees. Volunteers from Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) were on hand to support the event and welcome visitors.
Local historian, Phil Mathison, shared stories of Tolkien’s time in the area, including a cherished memory from the summer of 1917, when the author’s wife Edith danced for him in a woodland near Roos. This moment famously inspired the tale ‘Of Beren and Lúthien’, a central story in The Silmarillion.
Tolkien spent nearly 18 months in Hull and East Yorkshire while recovering from Trench Fever during the First World War. The region’s scenery is believed to have influenced some of his most iconic works, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
The scupltures were crafted by Lincolnshire artist Allen Stichcher and both are carved from a single piece of oak. One statue depicts a depicts a young Tolkien, while the second shows Edith dancing before him in the woods.
Councillor Liam Dealtry, chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and Adam Toes, tourism, events and project manager at Visit East Yorkshire, also addressed the crowd, highlighting the region’s historical influence on Tolkien’s work and how the sculptures will increase tourism in the East Riding.
(Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council.)
Councillor Barbara Jefferson, cabinet member for heritage and coastal at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: ‘’The unveiling of the sculptures was a great success, and it was a pleasure to be in attendance.
‘’These artworks not only celebrate our region’s unique connection to one of the world’s greatest literary figures, but they also serve as a lasting tribute to the power of place in shaping imagination and storytelling. We are proud to honour Tolkien’s legacy in such a meaningful and beautiful way.
‘’The Tolkien carvings are magnificent to witness and will be sure to draw more visitors to the East Riding, increasing our tourism and growing the local economy.’’
The Tolkien Triangle trail, covering many of the towns and villages along the East Yorkshire coast that Tolkien visited, will be updated to include the new sculptures: www.visiteastyorkshire.co.uk/listing/the-tolkien-triangle/204975101/