A few months back I managed to get to the temporary “Magic of Middle-Earth” Exhibition at the Novium Museum in Chichester, two days before it closed. But I’m glad I did slide in near the end as it was a packed gallery with plenty for a fan to enjoy.
The film adaptations of the early 2000’s, once again led to a spike in interest that has continued ever since with more films, a TV series, video games, and more all bringing the series to life like never before.
Chichester Museum’s unofficial exhibition, filled the top floor with an array of artefacts. Posters, books, movie props, games, toys, and fantastic artwork depicting various scenes and characters.
The enduring life of Middle-Earth
An interesting thing noted in one of the information boards, was the expansive world of Middle Earth. Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit tell stories that only show part of the history and geography of the world they inhabit. Ruins of previous civilisations dot the landscape, the map in Lord of the Rings, shows places our characters never visit. And those same characters tell stories and sing songs laden with history and culture. This makes it particularly appealing to others to expand on, to fill in gaps and details with their own imaginings.
World building, whether it be fantasy or not, is hugely important in any story. If you can make it feel like it exists outside of the tale you’re writing that’s a powerful hook.
It is a shame the exhibition couldn’t be permanent, but for a fan like myself it was great to visit. And it acted as a good reminder, that when you send your little darling out into the world, it’s never going to entirely belong to you again.
Leave a Reply