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 (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) 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" (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre), so to speak. I really do not need to stress the links Tolkien had to Blackwell's (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre), ranging from the publication of Goblin Feet to living in Sir Basil's home,  20, Northmoor Road. And the Gaffer's Office (my emphasis.)

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Next time you are in Oxford do look out for the Poetry Corner (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) 🥰 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 (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) has been in. Do also know that Basil Blackwell is one of the few given the Freedom of the City (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) 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 (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)! 

Picture credits: Keith Barnes (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) / Morris Oxford (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre).

This post was originally published (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) on Mar 13, 2022.