Three books signed by J.R.R. Tolkien and linked to a family who holidayed with the celebrated author are expected to attract strong interest when they go up for auction today, Wednesday at Quire Auctions in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.
The volumes — The Two Towers, The Return of the King and The Hobbit — come from the estate of the late Brenda Jocelyn Walden and carry a combined estimate of £17,000 to £23,000.
Each contains a Tolkien signature that has been cut out and pasted into the book, while the accompanying provenance offers a rare glimpse into the author’s personal friendships away from his literary fame.
Brenda Walden’s parents, Kathleen and Henry George Walden, were friends of Tolkien and his wife Edith. The families corresponded and holidayed together, frequently staying at Bournemouth’s Hotel Miramar, said to have been Edith Tolkien’s favourite hotel.
Family members recalled that Kathleen referred to the author simply as “JRR”, reflecting the closeness of the relationship.
Auctioneers believe the books were gifted by Tolkien to the Waldens. The signature in The Two Towers, estimated at £6,000 to £8,000, is thought to have been removed by Kathleen from a longer letter sent by Tolkien.
A second signature, found in The Return of the King and carrying the same £6,000 to £8,000 estimate, appears on the reverse of a monochrome photograph or postcard depicting the Hotel Miramar.
Meanwhile, the signature pasted into The Hobbit, estimated at £5,000 to £7,000, bears an unusual addition: it was playfully coloured in by Kathleen and Henry’s daughter, from whose estate the books ultimately descended.
Mark Skipper, director of Quire Auctions, said the lots represent a rare opportunity for collectors.
“Tolkien is fiercely collected, and we’ve seen demand grow and grow in recent years,” he said. “To have not one, but three works with his signature, is really quite remarkable, and complete with the provenance of the Walden and Tolkien families holidaying together, paints an exceptional picture of the history of these books.
“We’re very excited to see the final result.”
To bid for these rare books visit https://www.quireauctions.com/
The sale concludes on June 3, 7.30pm.
