Two striking sculptures celebrating the legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien have been unveiled in the East Riding village of Roos. The unveiling ceremony took place on Friday, 6 June, in the grounds of All Saints Church, drawing visitors from near and far.
The free public event offered attendees a chance to explore Tolkien’s deep connection to the region and witness the reveal of the impressive sculptures, funded by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Route Yorkshire Coast.
Local historian Phil Mathison delivered a captivating talk on Tolkien’s significance as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He 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’s mythic history of Middle-earth.
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.
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.
The sculptures, crafted by Lincolnshire-based artist Allen Stichler, pay tribute to the area's impact on Tolkien’s early work. One statue, standing approximately eight and a half feet tall, depicts a young Tolkien, while the second shows Edith dancing before him in the woods. Both figures are carved from a single piece of oak, symbolizing their enduring bond and the inspiration drawn from the local landscape.
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.
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/
For more on East Yorkshire as a destination, see: www.visiteastyorkshire.co.uk
Picture captions: Two sculptures depicting Tolkien’s treasured memories have been unveiled in the village of Roos.
Main Picture: Local historian Phil Mathison
