Support the Campaign to Transform J.R.R. Tolkien’s House into a Literary Center
English actor Sir Ian McKellen is urging support for a fundraising campaign aimed at raising £4.5 million ($6.1 million) to purchase J.R.R. Tolkien’s home. This initiative is designed to transform the Oxford dwelling into a vibrant literary center, encouraging creativity and inspiring new generations of writers, artists, and filmmakers.
Project Northmoor: A New Beginning for Tolkien’s Home
McKellen recently shared a video expressing his support for this meaningful cause, which is spearheaded by author Julia Golding. In this compelling video, he is joined by notable figures such as Martin Freeman, John Rhys-Davies, and Annie Lennox, all urging Tolkien fans to lend their contributions to this significant project. The goal is to acquire 20 Northmoor Road, where Tolkien and his wife Edith raised their young family in 1930. Remarkably, it was in this very location that Tolkien penned masterpieces like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, the latter originally crafted as a bedtime story for his children.
The Importance of a Dedicated Tolkien Center
According to the Project Northmoor initiative, there is currently no dedicated center for Tolkien studies globally — a surprising reality given the author’s significant literary contribution and enduring popularity. If the purchase is successful, plans are in place to renovate the house, allowing visitors to experience what it was like to visit the esteemed professor in 1940. The upstairs bedrooms would be carefully designed to reflect the rich cultures he created, while the garden would also undergo restoration.
Experiences at the Center
Moreover, guests would have the opportunity to participate in a variety of engaging activities, including retreats, writing seminars, and other cultural events — both in-person and online. This initiative promises to be a haven for those who admire Tolkien’s literary legacy and yearn to immerse themselves in his world.
Join the Cause
For those interested in learning more about this inspiring project, additional details can be found on Project Northmoor’s official website.
