Tolkien letters and books sold for £103k at Sotheby's
A set of letters, books, and notes illustrating the bond between JRR Tolkien and his profoundly deaf admirer, Eileen Elgar, was auctioned at Sotheby's in London for £103,680, including the seller's premium. The items, which spanned from 1961 to 1964, featured a letter discussing the passing of author CS Lewis and a signed edition of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, which sold for £20,480. Elgar, who passed away in 1980, resided near the Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth, where Tolkien vacationed each year. Their friendship began in the 1960s after Elgar read Tolkien's works. As she did not learn to lip read, they exchanged notes during his visits. Will Passey from Sotheby's remarked that the letter showcased the depth of their friendship, while Elgar's granddaughter, Helen Dutfield, described her as "quite an isolated figure."
Key facts
- Letters and books from JRR Tolkien to Eileen Elgar sold at Sotheby's for £103,680.
- A letter mentioning CS Lewis's death and a signed copy of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil sold for £20,480.
- The lots date from 1961 to 1964.
- Eileen Elgar was profoundly deaf and communicated with Tolkien via notes.
- Tolkien and his wife holidayed annually at the Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth.
- Elgar died in 1980.
- Will Passey of Sotheby's described the letters as 'hitherto overlooked.'
Entities
Artists
- JRR Tolkien
- Eileen Elgar
- CS Lewis
Institutions
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Bournemouth
- Oxford
- Hotel Miramar