Fingolfin's Findings XXIX: The Gaffer's Office

The recent news that the independent book chain Blackwell's with its origins right in the heart of Oxford had been sold to Waterstones (Opens in a new window) reminded me of one of its many quirks that only independent book publishing and bookshops seem to be able to provide: The Gaffer's Office.

It is the original office of Sir Basil Blackwell, left unchanged to this very day, that can only be reached by a "secret door" (Opens in a new window), so to speak. I really do not need to stress the links Tolkien had to Blackwell's (Opens in a new window), ranging from the publication of Goblin Feet to living in Sir Basil's home,  20, Northmoor Road. And the Gaffer's Office (my emphasis.)

Keep on reading by becoming my member here on Steady (Opens in a new window).

Next time you are in Oxford do look out for the Poetry Corner (Opens in a new window) 🥰 And if you are lucky enough to somehow visit this room, do know that the chair you sit in will be the chair J.R.R. Tolkien himself (Opens in a new window) has been in. Do also know that Basil Blackwell is one of the few given the Freedom of the City (Opens in a new window) of Oxford! 

Seriously, now that I come to think of it I might take one of those tours on the day before my birthday! Don't take my spot (Opens in a new window)! 

Picture credits: Keith Barnes (Opens in a new window) / Morris Oxford (Opens in a new window).

This post was originally published (Opens in a new window) on Mar 13, 2022.