Paris, France — It is one of the best selling books of all time. First published in 1937 and with many million of copies sold world wide, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit or There and Back Again is a classic of children’s literature. Set in Middle Earth, the story tells the tale of the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins who loves nothing more than to be at home and to enjoy the lavish stores of his pantry, but who nevertheless embarks on a quest-like journey with a company of 13 dwarves and the wizard Gandalf to take back the historical seat of the dwarves and their bejewelled and golden treasure from Smaug, the dragon. Along the way they encounter trolls, goblins, elves, a mysterious king, giant spiders, a curious thrush and eagles that transport them out of one of the hostile territories they find themselves in. It is a great tale of adventure which led to the publication of its three-volume sequel: The Lord of the Rings, published between 1954 and 1955.

And so as the 70th anniversary of that much-loved trilogy approaches, a colorful and educational exhibition, entitled Aubusson Weaves Tolkien, is unfolding in Paris. The show is being hosted by the Collège des Bernardins, a jewel of Cistercian architecture in the heart of Paris, and is being presented by the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie in Aubusson, one of France’s leading tapestry making institutions. It marks the first time that these tapestries have been exhibited outside of the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie.

Fifteen tapestries, based on the original drawings and sketches of J.R.R. Tolkien for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, are on display in the nave, the former sacristy and the 18th century staircase of the former Cistercian college of the University of Paris. Memorabilia from private collections are also on display. The show offers a rich journey into the world created by Tolkien while showcasing the art and craft of the Aubusson tapestry manufacture. By hosting the show, the Collège des Bernardins aims to provide an insight into the Christian dimension of Tolkien’s work. A rich artistic and academic program focusing on his relationship with faith is also on the agenda. The Aubusson Weaves Tolkien show is on until May 18th and the entrance is free with a reservation. Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy will be projected in the original English version on April 26th, reservations are required for the 11-hour marathon. An international symposium will take place at the Collège from May 16th until May 18th. The building is worth a visit in and of itself. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette
Collège des Bernardins, 20 rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris. Tel: + 33 (0) 1 53 10 74 44
http://www.collegedesbernardins.fr